1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910462718903321

Autore

Lewis Daniel C.

Titolo

Direct democracy and minority rights : a critical assessment of the tyranny of the majority in the American states / / Daniel C. Lewis

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New York ; ; London : , : Routledge, , 2013

ISBN

1-283-94238-0

0-203-10934-1

1-136-26935-5

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (137 p.)

Collana

Controversies in electoral democracy and representation

Disciplina

323.173

Soggetti

Direct democracy - United States - States

Representative government and representation - United States - States

Majorities

Minorities - Civil rights - United States - States

Electronic books.

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Direct democracy institutions & the threat of tyranny -- Direct democracy & the diffusion of anti-minority policies -- A representational filter? the passage of anti-minority policy proposals -- The flip side; direct democracy & pro-minority policies -- Conclusion.

Sommario/riassunto

This book conclusively demonstrates that direct democracy-institutions like the ballot initiative and the referendum-endangers the rights of minorities and perpetuates a tyranny of the majority. While advocates of direct democracy advocate that these institutions protect citizens from corrupt lawmakers beholden to special interests, Daniel Lewis's thorough investigation shows how such mass participation exposes minority groups to negative policy outcomes favored by only a slim majority of voters. Some would argue that greater democratic responsiveness is a positive outcome, but without the