Democracy When the People Are Thinking

Fishkin's book is worthwhile...important work. * Margaret Petrie, University of Edinburgh, Concept *
A provocative book that makes the case for the importance of deliberation as the foundation of real democracy. It challenges our beliefs about what is possible and outlines an institutional framework for creating a real deliberative democracy. It is an antidote to those who are pessimistic about the future of democracy. * Norman M. Bradburn, Senior Fellow, NORC at the University of Chicago. *
In this extraordinary book, Fishkin surveys the world wide efforts of governments and civil society groups to create real-world institutions enabling citizens to discuss and determine the fundamental issues confronting their societies. Based on this extraordinarily informed study, Fishkin shows how modern technology will permit even more dramatic expansions of deliberative democracy in the twenty-first century. At a time when pundits prophesy the fall of liberal democracy, Fishkin's demonstrations of these breakthroughs are of particular importance. * Bruce Ackerman, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, Yale University. *
This book may - and I hope will - change the face of democracy. With examples from California, Texas, Mongolia, Uganda, China, Japan, Macau, Australia, the UK, and Europe, Fishkin shows how a representative body of citizens, chosen by lot and stratified to include all relevant sections of the community, can, after deliberating, come to informed conclusions that have a major impact on key public decisions. Case upon case breaks new ground in the growing global movement to harness the intelligence and legitimacy of citizens drawn by lot. * Jane Mansbridge, Charles F. Adams Professor of Political Leadership and Democratic Values, Harvard Kennedy School. *