Direct Democracy: Chances and Challenges
Journal
Open Journal of Political Science
ISSN
2164-0505
ISSN-Digital
2164-0513
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2016-04-27
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper discusses several problems of direct popular decisions. In the first part, we consider problems related to the functioning of direct democracy. As a political system it only makes sense if there exists a continuous process and not if only occasional single questions are brought to a referendum. Then, the relation between direct democracy and the rule of unanimity is discussed, a subject of special relevance to the European Union, before we consider the role of quorums. In the second part, some areas are considered in which conflicts might arise. Re¬sults of initiatives might be incompatible with individual human rights or might endan¬ger fis¬cal sustainability, and referenda might impede economic reforms. All these problems, however, do not justify a general rejection of direct popular rights. Thus, we conclude by listing several points that should be observed to safeguard the well-functioning of di¬rect de¬mocracy.
Language
English
Keywords
Direct democracy
referendum
initiative
human rights
economic re-forms
fiscal sustainability.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
HSG Profile Area
SEPS - Economic Policy
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Scientific Research Publ.
Publisher place
Irvine, CA
Volume
6
Number
2
Start page
229
End page
249
Pages
21
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
248351
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Name
C 157 Direct Democracy.pdf
Size
393.82 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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