Publication

The Urban Diffusion of Local Direct Democracy between Switzerland and the United States

2015
Book Chapters

Abstract

In this chapter I expose how direct democracy instruments based on the ballot (referendum, popular initiative, recall), as opposed to assembly based direct democracy, have developed in Switzerland and have been adopted by more than 20 US states as an answer to specifically urban challenges. I present new evidence from a quantitiative analysis of the Google Books corpus tracing the reference to Swiss direct democracy in American political literature at the turn of 19th and 20th centuries, supporting this diffusion.

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2015
Book Chapters

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (26)

Direct democracy

Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which the electorate decides on policy initiatives without elected representatives as proxies. This differs from the majority of currently established democracies, which are representative democracies. The theory and practice of direct democracy and participation as its common characteristic was the core of work of many theorists, philosophers, politicians, and social critics, among whom the most important are Jean Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and G.

Participatory democracy

Participatory democracy, participant democracy or participative democracy is a form of government in which citizens participate individually and directly in political decisions and policies that affect their lives, rather than through elected representatives. Elements of direct and representative democracy are combined in this model. Participatory democracy is a type of democracy, which is itself a form of government. The term "democracy" is derived from the Greek expression δημοκρατία (dēmokratia) (δῆμος/dēmos: people, Κράτος/kratos: rule).

E-democracy

E-democracy (a blend of the terms electronic and democracy), also known as digital democracy or Internet democracy, uses information and communication technology (ICT) in political and governance processes. The term is credited to digital activist Steven Clift. By using 21st-century ICT, e-democracy seeks to enhance democracy, including aspects like civic technology and E-government. Proponents argue that by promoting transparency in decision-making processes, e-democracy can empower all citizens to observe and understand the proceedings.

Related publications (1)

The Urban Diffusion of Local Direct Democracy between Switzerland and the United States

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