Dieter Fuchs
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198295686
- eISBN:
- 9780191600043
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198295685.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Taking the example of unified Germany, this chapter examines how a democratic culture can develop among people who have lived for decades in an autocratic state. The first section outlines the ...
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Taking the example of unified Germany, this chapter examines how a democratic culture can develop among people who have lived for decades in an autocratic state. The first section outlines the theoretical framework, starting with the concept of political support, and going on to consider various normative models of democracy in order to understand what type of democracy people in West and East Germany ultimately prefer. Discusses the formation of democratic attitudes within state‐socialist systems, comparing demonstration and socialization hypotheses on the influence of the social structure on political attitudes. On this basis, expectations about attitudes towards democracy among the East German population are formulated. Develops the empirical analysis further by examining trends in democratic attitudes among West and East Germans—including the commitment to democratic values and principles, support for democratic institutions, and satisfaction with democratic performance. The conclusion summarizes the most important findings and considers their consequences for the prospects of democracy in a unified Germany.Less
Taking the example of unified Germany, this chapter examines how a democratic culture can develop among people who have lived for decades in an autocratic state. The first section outlines the theoretical framework, starting with the concept of political support, and going on to consider various normative models of democracy in order to understand what type of democracy people in West and East Germany ultimately prefer. Discusses the formation of democratic attitudes within state‐socialist systems, comparing demonstration and socialization hypotheses on the influence of the social structure on political attitudes. On this basis, expectations about attitudes towards democracy among the East German population are formulated. Develops the empirical analysis further by examining trends in democratic attitudes among West and East Germans—including the commitment to democratic values and principles, support for democratic institutions, and satisfaction with democratic performance. The conclusion summarizes the most important findings and considers their consequences for the prospects of democracy in a unified Germany.
Ian McAllister
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198295686
- eISBN:
- 9780191600043
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198295685.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
A major conclusion of this book is that there are few consistent trends in popular support for the political community but there is high and perhaps even growing support for democratic values and ...
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A major conclusion of this book is that there are few consistent trends in popular support for the political community but there is high and perhaps even growing support for democratic values and declining support for regime institutions and political leaders. Earlier chapters have traced these patterns with respect to democracy worldwide, and, in particular, regions of the world. This one focuses specifically on the role of public policy in shaping popular support for democratic institutions among OECD countries. The data are aggregate indicators across twenty‐four of the twenty‐nine member countries of the OECD in 1997, as well as individual‐level data from the same twenty‐four countries based on the 1990–1 World Values Survey. The different sections of the chapter are: Explaining Institutional Confidence; Evidence for Trends in Institutional Confidence; The Role of Democratic Experience; Policy Outputs and Confidence: A Macro Analysis; Policy Outputs and Confidence: A Micro Analysis; and Discussion and Conclusions.Less
A major conclusion of this book is that there are few consistent trends in popular support for the political community but there is high and perhaps even growing support for democratic values and declining support for regime institutions and political leaders. Earlier chapters have traced these patterns with respect to democracy worldwide, and, in particular, regions of the world. This one focuses specifically on the role of public policy in shaping popular support for democratic institutions among OECD countries. The data are aggregate indicators across twenty‐four of the twenty‐nine member countries of the OECD in 1997, as well as individual‐level data from the same twenty‐four countries based on the 1990–1 World Values Survey. The different sections of the chapter are: Explaining Institutional Confidence; Evidence for Trends in Institutional Confidence; The Role of Democratic Experience; Policy Outputs and Confidence: A Macro Analysis; Policy Outputs and Confidence: A Micro Analysis; and Discussion and Conclusions.
Robert Rohrschneider
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198295174
- eISBN:
- 9780191685088
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198295174.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The fall of the Berlin wall raised many questions about Germany and post-socialist countries. Given East Germany's authoritarian history, how democratic are its citizens now? What kind of democracy ...
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The fall of the Berlin wall raised many questions about Germany and post-socialist countries. Given East Germany's authoritarian history, how democratic are its citizens now? What kind of democracy do they want a liberal or socialist democracy? What economic system do they prefer? How have they reacted to democratic and market systems since 1989? This book shows how individual institutional learning may be offset by the diffusion of democratic values. The book uses public opinion surveys to compare attitudes of MPs and the general public, and in-depth interviews with parliamentarians in east, and west Berlin to show the persistence of socialist views in the east as well as lower levels of political tolerance. Moreover, the book argues, these values have changed fairly little since unification. The book presents evidence and develops implications for other post-socialist nations, arguing that while post-socialist citizens do not yearn for the old socialist order, their socialist values frequently lower enthusiasm for new democratic and market institutions. The implications being that ideological values are primarily shaped by individual exposure to institutions and that democratic and market values are diffused only in specific conditions.Less
The fall of the Berlin wall raised many questions about Germany and post-socialist countries. Given East Germany's authoritarian history, how democratic are its citizens now? What kind of democracy do they want a liberal or socialist democracy? What economic system do they prefer? How have they reacted to democratic and market systems since 1989? This book shows how individual institutional learning may be offset by the diffusion of democratic values. The book uses public opinion surveys to compare attitudes of MPs and the general public, and in-depth interviews with parliamentarians in east, and west Berlin to show the persistence of socialist views in the east as well as lower levels of political tolerance. Moreover, the book argues, these values have changed fairly little since unification. The book presents evidence and develops implications for other post-socialist nations, arguing that while post-socialist citizens do not yearn for the old socialist order, their socialist values frequently lower enthusiasm for new democratic and market institutions. The implications being that ideological values are primarily shaped by individual exposure to institutions and that democratic and market values are diffused only in specific conditions.
Margit Tavits
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199553327
- eISBN:
- 9780191721007
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199553327.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Chapter 6 addresses a third prevalent issue regarding presidential elections—the extent to which direct elections strengthen democratic practices. Empirical analyses using global and European samples ...
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Chapter 6 addresses a third prevalent issue regarding presidential elections—the extent to which direct elections strengthen democratic practices. Empirical analyses using global and European samples of parliamentary systems with elected heads of state demonstrate that citizens' satisfaction with government, political disillusionment, their commitment to democratic values and level of political involvement are not significantly affected by introducing direct presidential elections. In fact, the additional election increases voter fatigue and decreases turnout in parliamentary elections by about seven percentage points. Since direct presidential elections are no more likely to decrease citizen disillusionment with the government and strengthen democratic practices than indirect elections, this chapter concludes that these systems have indistinguishable effects on democratic attitudes. The noticeable effect of introducing additional elections on voter behavior, however, merits the attention of institutional designers.Less
Chapter 6 addresses a third prevalent issue regarding presidential elections—the extent to which direct elections strengthen democratic practices. Empirical analyses using global and European samples of parliamentary systems with elected heads of state demonstrate that citizens' satisfaction with government, political disillusionment, their commitment to democratic values and level of political involvement are not significantly affected by introducing direct presidential elections. In fact, the additional election increases voter fatigue and decreases turnout in parliamentary elections by about seven percentage points. Since direct presidential elections are no more likely to decrease citizen disillusionment with the government and strengthen democratic practices than indirect elections, this chapter concludes that these systems have indistinguishable effects on democratic attitudes. The noticeable effect of introducing additional elections on voter behavior, however, merits the attention of institutional designers.
Russell J. Dalton
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199268436
- eISBN:
- 9780191708572
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199268436.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter examines how the changing political values of contemporary publics alter perceived images of government and support for the democratic process. Postmaterialists are less trustful of ...
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This chapter examines how the changing political values of contemporary publics alter perceived images of government and support for the democratic process. Postmaterialists are less trustful of government and more supportive of democratic values and ideals.Less
This chapter examines how the changing political values of contemporary publics alter perceived images of government and support for the democratic process. Postmaterialists are less trustful of government and more supportive of democratic values and ideals.
Corey Brettschneider
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691147628
- eISBN:
- 9781400842377
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691147628.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter focuses on democratic persuasion. Although democratic persuasion stresses the importance of an active role for the legitimate state in promoting democratic values, value democracy does ...
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This chapter focuses on democratic persuasion. Although democratic persuasion stresses the importance of an active role for the legitimate state in promoting democratic values, value democracy does not abandon all accounts of neutrality in thinking about freedom of expression. The Supreme Court's doctrine of viewpoint neutrality is appropriate as a standard for limiting state coercion. Viewpoint neutrality means that all viewpoints, regardless of their content, should be protected by freedom of expression, provided they are not direct threats to individuals. However, while viewpoint neutrality is appropriate as a standard for applying the right of free expression to citizens, it is misplaced as a guide to determining the state's own expression and what it should say. The chapter argues that the state should be non-neutral in its persuasive and expressive roles.Less
This chapter focuses on democratic persuasion. Although democratic persuasion stresses the importance of an active role for the legitimate state in promoting democratic values, value democracy does not abandon all accounts of neutrality in thinking about freedom of expression. The Supreme Court's doctrine of viewpoint neutrality is appropriate as a standard for limiting state coercion. Viewpoint neutrality means that all viewpoints, regardless of their content, should be protected by freedom of expression, provided they are not direct threats to individuals. However, while viewpoint neutrality is appropriate as a standard for applying the right of free expression to citizens, it is misplaced as a guide to determining the state's own expression and what it should say. The chapter argues that the state should be non-neutral in its persuasive and expressive roles.
Richard S. Katz
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199257560
- eISBN:
- 9780191603280
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199257566.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Electoral reforms are surprisingly rare in established political systems. This chapter analyses the reasons why political actors might attempt to change an electoral system to one that more closely ...
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Electoral reforms are surprisingly rare in established political systems. This chapter analyses the reasons why political actors might attempt to change an electoral system to one that more closely matches their own interests, and the reasons why they might decide not to attempt to do this. It discusses the limitations of the rational actor paradigm. It identifies the circumstances under which electoral reform becomes more likely. It discusses ‘fashions’ in electoral reform, particularly the adoption of mixed systems in a number of countries and moves to widen voters’ intraparty candidate choice, and emphasises the important role of democratic values.Less
Electoral reforms are surprisingly rare in established political systems. This chapter analyses the reasons why political actors might attempt to change an electoral system to one that more closely matches their own interests, and the reasons why they might decide not to attempt to do this. It discusses the limitations of the rational actor paradigm. It identifies the circumstances under which electoral reform becomes more likely. It discusses ‘fashions’ in electoral reform, particularly the adoption of mixed systems in a number of countries and moves to widen voters’ intraparty candidate choice, and emphasises the important role of democratic values.
Russell J. Dalton
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199268436
- eISBN:
- 9780191708572
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199268436.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter assembles an array of cross-national public opinion data to track the decline in political trust in advanced industrial democracies. Contemporary publics are less trustful of ...
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This chapter assembles an array of cross-national public opinion data to track the decline in political trust in advanced industrial democracies. Contemporary publics are less trustful of politicians, political parties, and political institutions. However, support for democratic values has increased over time, and support for the nation and political community remain strong.Less
This chapter assembles an array of cross-national public opinion data to track the decline in political trust in advanced industrial democracies. Contemporary publics are less trustful of politicians, political parties, and political institutions. However, support for democratic values has increased over time, and support for the nation and political community remain strong.
Adrian Vermeule
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195333466
- eISBN:
- 9780199855384
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195333466.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of institutional design writ small. It considers the mechanisms of democracy, and proposes mechanisms that advance four core values of democratic ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of institutional design writ small. It considers the mechanisms of democracy, and proposes mechanisms that advance four core values of democratic constitutionalism: impartiality, accountability, transparency, and deliberation. The chapter then discusses the advancement of democratic values, disagreements about democratic values, the limiting conditions for democratic mechanisms, and the feasibility constraints on democratic reform. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of institutional design writ small. It considers the mechanisms of democracy, and proposes mechanisms that advance four core values of democratic constitutionalism: impartiality, accountability, transparency, and deliberation. The chapter then discusses the advancement of democratic values, disagreements about democratic values, the limiting conditions for democratic mechanisms, and the feasibility constraints on democratic reform. An overview of the subsequent chapters is presented.
Konrad H. Jarausch
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195127799
- eISBN:
- 9780199869503
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195127799.003.05
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on the process of “inner democratization”, which went beyond a mere observance of democratic forms to an internalized belief in democratic value systems.
This chapter focuses on the process of “inner democratization”, which went beyond a mere observance of democratic forms to an internalized belief in democratic value systems.
Mike Feintuck
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199269020
- eISBN:
- 9780191699320
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269020.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
The concept of ‘the public interest’ is often used in legal and political discourse, lending an air of legitimacy and respectability to exercises of power. However, the term is rarely defined in any ...
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The concept of ‘the public interest’ is often used in legal and political discourse, lending an air of legitimacy and respectability to exercises of power. However, the term is rarely defined in any meaningful sense. Even where it has the appearance of a term of art in legal or regulatory usage, it may, in reality be no more than an empty vessel, waiting to be filled with whatever values the user wishes. This lack of definition renders the concept vulnerable to capture by interest groups, quite contrary to the collective values that the term seems to imply. This book considers whether these problems with the concept's current usage are inevitable and inherent, or whether it is possible to reinvigorate it. It begins by considering a variety of abstract concepts of public interest from the literature of law, political science, and economics. This exploration suggests a close relationship between a meaningful model of public interest and central democratic values such as citizenship. However, the dominant models fail to reflect these expectations satisfactorily. Using a series of case studies of current regulatory activity in Britain and the United States, the book then goes on to explore how the concept is used in practice. Finally, the actual and potential utility of the concept of public interest is evaluated. The book then considers the legal forms in which the public interest might be manifested in order to offer legitimate and effective protection to vulnerable democratic values by the regulation of private power.Less
The concept of ‘the public interest’ is often used in legal and political discourse, lending an air of legitimacy and respectability to exercises of power. However, the term is rarely defined in any meaningful sense. Even where it has the appearance of a term of art in legal or regulatory usage, it may, in reality be no more than an empty vessel, waiting to be filled with whatever values the user wishes. This lack of definition renders the concept vulnerable to capture by interest groups, quite contrary to the collective values that the term seems to imply. This book considers whether these problems with the concept's current usage are inevitable and inherent, or whether it is possible to reinvigorate it. It begins by considering a variety of abstract concepts of public interest from the literature of law, political science, and economics. This exploration suggests a close relationship between a meaningful model of public interest and central democratic values such as citizenship. However, the dominant models fail to reflect these expectations satisfactorily. Using a series of case studies of current regulatory activity in Britain and the United States, the book then goes on to explore how the concept is used in practice. Finally, the actual and potential utility of the concept of public interest is evaluated. The book then considers the legal forms in which the public interest might be manifested in order to offer legitimate and effective protection to vulnerable democratic values by the regulation of private power.
Richard S. Katz
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195044294
- eISBN:
- 9780199854752
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195044294.003.0015
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter sums up the key findings of this study on the relation between elections and democracy. The result reveals that there are two classes of democratic theories each encompassing a number of ...
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This chapter sums up the key findings of this study on the relation between elections and democracy. The result reveals that there are two classes of democratic theories each encompassing a number of alternative models of democracy and each are dependent on alternative assumptions about the character of elites and social structure. The chapter describes the best or most democratic electoral systems based on the analysis of democratic values and of the operation and consequences of electoral institutions.Less
This chapter sums up the key findings of this study on the relation between elections and democracy. The result reveals that there are two classes of democratic theories each encompassing a number of alternative models of democracy and each are dependent on alternative assumptions about the character of elites and social structure. The chapter describes the best or most democratic electoral systems based on the analysis of democratic values and of the operation and consequences of electoral institutions.
Alexander S. Kirshner
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780300188240
- eISBN:
- 9780300189858
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300188240.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
How should pro-democratic forces safeguard representative government from anti-democratic forces? By granting rights of participation to groups that do not share democratic values, democracies may ...
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How should pro-democratic forces safeguard representative government from anti-democratic forces? By granting rights of participation to groups that do not share democratic values, democracies may endanger the very rights they have granted; but denying these rights may also undermine democratic values. This book offers a set of principles for determining when one may reasonably refuse rights of participation, and it defends this theory through real-world examples, ranging from the far-right British Nationalist Party to Turkey's Islamist Welfare Party to America's Democratic Party during Reconstruction.Less
How should pro-democratic forces safeguard representative government from anti-democratic forces? By granting rights of participation to groups that do not share democratic values, democracies may endanger the very rights they have granted; but denying these rights may also undermine democratic values. This book offers a set of principles for determining when one may reasonably refuse rights of participation, and it defends this theory through real-world examples, ranging from the far-right British Nationalist Party to Turkey's Islamist Welfare Party to America's Democratic Party during Reconstruction.
George Klosko
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199270200
- eISBN:
- 9780191699467
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270200.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
The preceding chapters reviewed the central beliefs of liberal citizens. The main conclusions are that in spite of deep-seated disagreements between proponents of different comprehensive views, there ...
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The preceding chapters reviewed the central beliefs of liberal citizens. The main conclusions are that in spite of deep-seated disagreements between proponents of different comprehensive views, there is strong consensus on central political values concerning the need for democratic procedures and individual rights, on distributive norms based on merit, and that people should have equal economic opportunities. However, this measure of consensus rests upon a substructure of underlying disagreements, and people with different comprehensive views interpret central values differently. Combining these differences on central values leaves a situation that is accurately described in Rawls's account of ‘overlapping consensus’: agreement on a range of central principles, which people interpret differently from perspectives of their own comprehensive views. This chapter reviews Rawls's views on political liberalism.Less
The preceding chapters reviewed the central beliefs of liberal citizens. The main conclusions are that in spite of deep-seated disagreements between proponents of different comprehensive views, there is strong consensus on central political values concerning the need for democratic procedures and individual rights, on distributive norms based on merit, and that people should have equal economic opportunities. However, this measure of consensus rests upon a substructure of underlying disagreements, and people with different comprehensive views interpret central values differently. Combining these differences on central values leaves a situation that is accurately described in Rawls's account of ‘overlapping consensus’: agreement on a range of central principles, which people interpret differently from perspectives of their own comprehensive views. This chapter reviews Rawls's views on political liberalism.
Reuven Avi-Yonah, Nicola Sartori, and Omri Marian
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195321357
- eISBN:
- 9780199893690
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195321357.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Company and Commercial Law, Public International Law
This book covers the standard topics regarding income tax, using a comparative perspective. The book considers the US approach as a benchmark and compares it with approaches used in other countries ...
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This book covers the standard topics regarding income tax, using a comparative perspective. The book considers the US approach as a benchmark and compares it with approaches used in other countries that form an interesting contrast, or a telling similarity. Comparative tax studies serve multiple purposes. Many commentators have suggested comparative taxation as an instrument to advance, inter alia, successful tax reforms, cultural understanding, democratic values, legal harmonization, and a better understanding of domestic tax laws. This book is offering a general approach to comparative tax studies that goes beyond the view of comparative taxation as an autonomous field of legal studies.Less
This book covers the standard topics regarding income tax, using a comparative perspective. The book considers the US approach as a benchmark and compares it with approaches used in other countries that form an interesting contrast, or a telling similarity. Comparative tax studies serve multiple purposes. Many commentators have suggested comparative taxation as an instrument to advance, inter alia, successful tax reforms, cultural understanding, democratic values, legal harmonization, and a better understanding of domestic tax laws. This book is offering a general approach to comparative tax studies that goes beyond the view of comparative taxation as an autonomous field of legal studies.
Mike Feintuck
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199269020
- eISBN:
- 9780191699320
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269020.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
Though the very phrase ‘the public interest’ has an air of democratic propriety, the absence of any identifiable normative content renders the concept insubstantial, and hopelessly vulnerable to ...
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Though the very phrase ‘the public interest’ has an air of democratic propriety, the absence of any identifiable normative content renders the concept insubstantial, and hopelessly vulnerable to annexation or colonisation by those who exercise power in society. This chapter considers whether the concept might in fact be capable of resuscitation and reinvigoration via closer examination and deeper understanding of its functions and conceptual connections. It seeks to establish an analytical framework upon which a more robust construct of the public interest might be developed. It examines the historically changing nature of the concept of public interest and its manifestation in law and regulation. The concept is discussed in the context of democratic values, and in particular in relationship with expectations of citizenship, with which the public interest is intimately connected. Some commentators note how the public interest serves as a complement to concepts of human rights, or view it as offering a degree of linkage or balance between the rights and duties associated with citizenship.Less
Though the very phrase ‘the public interest’ has an air of democratic propriety, the absence of any identifiable normative content renders the concept insubstantial, and hopelessly vulnerable to annexation or colonisation by those who exercise power in society. This chapter considers whether the concept might in fact be capable of resuscitation and reinvigoration via closer examination and deeper understanding of its functions and conceptual connections. It seeks to establish an analytical framework upon which a more robust construct of the public interest might be developed. It examines the historically changing nature of the concept of public interest and its manifestation in law and regulation. The concept is discussed in the context of democratic values, and in particular in relationship with expectations of citizenship, with which the public interest is intimately connected. Some commentators note how the public interest serves as a complement to concepts of human rights, or view it as offering a degree of linkage or balance between the rights and duties associated with citizenship.
Richard S. Katz
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195044294
- eISBN:
- 9780199854752
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195044294.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the role of elections in the democratic process. It aims to provide an alternative structure for considering the expectations about, and evaluative standards for, elections ...
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This chapter examines the role of elections in the democratic process. It aims to provide an alternative structure for considering the expectations about, and evaluative standards for, elections raised by democratic theories. It discusses the equality element of democracy and suggests that though elections play a central role in all theories of democracy, the specific functions of elections vary tremendously from one conception of democracy to another. It concludes that a valid connection between electoral institutions and democratic values must be based on an accurate picture of the options available in the design of those institutions and of the consequences of choosing one option rather than another.Less
This chapter examines the role of elections in the democratic process. It aims to provide an alternative structure for considering the expectations about, and evaluative standards for, elections raised by democratic theories. It discusses the equality element of democracy and suggests that though elections play a central role in all theories of democracy, the specific functions of elections vary tremendously from one conception of democracy to another. It concludes that a valid connection between electoral institutions and democratic values must be based on an accurate picture of the options available in the design of those institutions and of the consequences of choosing one option rather than another.
Mike Feintuck
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199269020
- eISBN:
- 9780191699320
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269020.003.0008
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
The essential argument of this book has been that ‘the public interest’ need not be a cover for ignorance, or an empty vessel, and that seeking to understand it need not be comparable with the ...
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The essential argument of this book has been that ‘the public interest’ need not be a cover for ignorance, or an empty vessel, and that seeking to understand it need not be comparable with the mythical quest for the Holy Grail. Rather, the concept has the potential to serve fundamental democratic values. Viewed holistically, both civic republicanism in the United States and liberalism in the United Kingdom acknowledge democratic values beyond those of the market, and identify citizenship concerns as central to the democratic settlement. In addition to the hegemony of market-individualist ideology and the rise of global capital, a combination of other factors have led to the ‘non-commodity values’ contained within democracy being put under severe threat. While in practice it is likely that the term ‘public interest’ will continue to be used loosely, and will carry a variety of meanings, a core meaning could be established in the context of regulation which identifies it closely with the values of equality of citizenship within democracy.Less
The essential argument of this book has been that ‘the public interest’ need not be a cover for ignorance, or an empty vessel, and that seeking to understand it need not be comparable with the mythical quest for the Holy Grail. Rather, the concept has the potential to serve fundamental democratic values. Viewed holistically, both civic republicanism in the United States and liberalism in the United Kingdom acknowledge democratic values beyond those of the market, and identify citizenship concerns as central to the democratic settlement. In addition to the hegemony of market-individualist ideology and the rise of global capital, a combination of other factors have led to the ‘non-commodity values’ contained within democracy being put under severe threat. While in practice it is likely that the term ‘public interest’ will continue to be used loosely, and will carry a variety of meanings, a core meaning could be established in the context of regulation which identifies it closely with the values of equality of citizenship within democracy.
Mike Feintuck and Mike Varney
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748621668
- eISBN:
- 9780748670987
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748621668.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Media Studies
Regulation of the media has traditionally been premised upon claims of ‘the public interest’, yet the term itself remains contested and generally ill defined. In the context of technological ...
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Regulation of the media has traditionally been premised upon claims of ‘the public interest’, yet the term itself remains contested and generally ill defined. In the context of technological development and convergence, as well as corporate conglomeration, traditional ‘public service’ values in British broadcasting are challenged by market values. With such ongoing trends continuing apace, regulators must increasingly justify their interventions. The communication industries' commercialisation and privatisation pose a fundamental threat to democratic values. This book argues that regulators will only successfully protect such values if claims associated with ‘citizenship’ are recognised as the rationale and objective for the regulatory endeavour. While such themes are central to the book, this second edition has been substantially revised and updated to take account of matters such as European Directives, the UK's Communications Act 2003, the process of reviewing the BBC's Charter and relevant aspects of the reform of general competition law.Less
Regulation of the media has traditionally been premised upon claims of ‘the public interest’, yet the term itself remains contested and generally ill defined. In the context of technological development and convergence, as well as corporate conglomeration, traditional ‘public service’ values in British broadcasting are challenged by market values. With such ongoing trends continuing apace, regulators must increasingly justify their interventions. The communication industries' commercialisation and privatisation pose a fundamental threat to democratic values. This book argues that regulators will only successfully protect such values if claims associated with ‘citizenship’ are recognised as the rationale and objective for the regulatory endeavour. While such themes are central to the book, this second edition has been substantially revised and updated to take account of matters such as European Directives, the UK's Communications Act 2003, the process of reviewing the BBC's Charter and relevant aspects of the reform of general competition law.
Mike Feintuck
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199269020
- eISBN:
- 9780191699320
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269020.003.0007
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
This chapter considers other areas in which the concept of public interest might be used to facilitate the legal system's potential to reflect fundamental, substantive, democratic expectations. The ...
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This chapter considers other areas in which the concept of public interest might be used to facilitate the legal system's potential to reflect fundamental, substantive, democratic expectations. The areas covered here suggest some preliminary thoughts and agendas for future research, where public interest values arising from expectations of equality of citizenship may appear to relate closely to existing or nascent legal principles, both in public law and private law. In essence, the agenda identifies a range of areas in which private property power is, or might be, limited by reference to non-commodity values. The focus of this book has been from the outset specifically on the impact of regulation in the name of the public interest rather than broader questions of the constitutional order. Thus, this chapter explores potential edifices for legitimate public interest intervention which highlight the actuality of, or potential for, the lawyer acting as institutional architect in pursuit of constitutional objectives. The focus is on the extent to which law may fulfil its potential as a ‘surrogate political process’ in relation to democratic values.Less
This chapter considers other areas in which the concept of public interest might be used to facilitate the legal system's potential to reflect fundamental, substantive, democratic expectations. The areas covered here suggest some preliminary thoughts and agendas for future research, where public interest values arising from expectations of equality of citizenship may appear to relate closely to existing or nascent legal principles, both in public law and private law. In essence, the agenda identifies a range of areas in which private property power is, or might be, limited by reference to non-commodity values. The focus of this book has been from the outset specifically on the impact of regulation in the name of the public interest rather than broader questions of the constitutional order. Thus, this chapter explores potential edifices for legitimate public interest intervention which highlight the actuality of, or potential for, the lawyer acting as institutional architect in pursuit of constitutional objectives. The focus is on the extent to which law may fulfil its potential as a ‘surrogate political process’ in relation to democratic values.
