Chapter 1 – The hidden power of democracy

Why our political system is ready for radical revision. Opinion polls show that a majority of the population of the entire Western world is in favour of the introduction of the referendum, but most politicians are strongly opposed to direct democracy.

Chapter 2 - What is democracy?

An outline of the archetype of democracy: the public assembly. Essential characteristics of democracy. The referendum system as a modern form of public assembly. Fair rules must ensure equality between the referendum system and the representative system. Why turnout thresholds must be avoided.

Chapter 3 - Federalism, subsidiarity and social capital

Federalism: how the voluntary federation of individuals into communities forms the basis for a flourishing political life. The trail-blazing work of political scientist Benjamin Barber. The connection between federalism and social capital (trust and sense of citizenship). The contrast with subsidiarity (the top delegates power downwards). How social capital and direct democracy are connected. How democracy must extend itself in depth, but must actually restrict itself in breadth.

Chapter 4 – The democratic person

Good and evil as basic political concepts. What motivates the modern person? The motivation theory of the psychologist Maslow. Three visions of people, three visions of democracy. The democratic and the authoritarian characters. Happiness and democracy.

Chapter 5 – Lessons from direct-democracy in practice

How direct democracy works in Switzerland. A look at California. How the power of money can be moderated. How the opportunities for referenda were recently expanded substantially in Germany. The story of Schönau: where referenda empowered committed citizens to have their way. A short summary of the referendum in several European countries.

Chapter 6 – Possible objections to direct democracy

Why objections to referenda were also used in the past against holding elections. A discussion of the most significant objections on the basis of scientific studies into the effects of referenda in practice. Is the citizen competent to participate in decision-making? Won’t minorities be threatened? Won’t big money get too much power? Does the referendum really provide sufficient opportunity for nuances? Isn’t there a danger of the voter being overburdened?

Chapter 7 (if available) – Country reports

In some language versions we are offering country reports. They are written by local experts.

The prospects of direct democracy in the United Kingdom are explained by Paul Carline. Gerald Häfner reports about the German and Austrian situation. In the Dutch version, Arjen Nijeboer describes the situation in the Netherlands and Belgium.