Referendums around the World: The Growing Use of Direct Democracy - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0333633695 ISBN 13: 9780333633694

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1997

Synopsis

Referendums have been making news all over the democratic world particularly in connection with the European Community, the breakup of the Soviet Union, and a variety of controversies in the American states. As an institutional device, referendums have challenged both democratic theorists and practical politicians. This volume analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the referendum and the initiative and how they fit the requirements of democratic ideals. Focusing primarily on the experience of the past fifteen years, it seeks to provide a comprehensive account of the history of referendums in the democratic world and of the common and different problems they provoke.

About this title

About the Author

David Butler, a Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford, since 1951, has been associated with the Nuffield Election Studies since 1945. He is well known for his election commentaries on the BBC and has written widely on British, American and Australian politics.

From the Back Cover

This volume analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the referendum and the initiative and how they fit the requirements of democratic ideals. Focusing primarily on the experience of the past fifteen years.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0333633695
• ISBN 13: 9780333633694
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 324
• Editor: Butler David