Introducing Democracy: 80 Questions and Answers - Softcover

Beetham, David; Boyle, Kevin

  • 3.38 out of 5 stars
    26 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780745615202: Introducing Democracy: 80 Questions and Answers
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0745615201 ISBN 13: 9780745615202
Publisher: Polity, 2002

Synopsis

This textbook, specially commissioned by UNESCO, addresses eighty of the most pressing questions about democracy today.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

What is democracy? Why should we value it? What is the relation between democracy and individual rights? Is majority rule always democratic? Why do we have political parties? Are some electoral systems more democratic than others? What is the relation between nationalism and democracy, or democracy and a market economy? How can democracy be maintained and improved? What difference does it make to ordinary people? What is its future?


These are only some of the questions addressed in this important new textbook. Its authors were specially commissioned by UNESCO to assemble eighty of the most pressing questions about democracy in the world today, and to provide clear and authoritative answers to them. The result is a masterpiece of succinct exposition, which will be of value to all those who want to know more about democratic theory and practice, of value to students, interested citizens, political activists or employees in the public service, whether they live in established or developing democracies.


The questions are systematically arranged in six sections: basic concepts and principles; free and fair elections; open and accountable government; individual rights and their defence; democratic or civil society; the future of democracy. The book forms an outstanding introduction to what is, perhaps, the most important concept in politics.

From the Inside Flap

What is democracy? Why should we value it? What is the relation between democracy and individual rights? Is majority rule always democratic? Why do we have political parties? Are some electoral systems more democratic than others? What is the relation between nationalism and democracy, or democracy and a market economy? How can democracy be maintained and improved? What difference does it make to ordinary people? What is its future?


These are only some of the questions addressed in this important new textbook. Its authors were specially commissioned by UNESCO to assemble eighty of the most pressing questions about democracy in the world today, and to provide clear and authoritative answers to them. The result is a masterpiece of succinct exposition, which will be of value to all those who want to know more about democratic theory and practice, of value to students, interested citizens, political activists or employees in the public service, whether they live in established or developing democracies.


The questions are systematically arranged in six sections: basic concepts and principles; free and fair elections; open and accountable government; individual rights and their defence; democratic or civil society; the future of democracy. The book forms an outstanding introduction to what is, perhaps, the most important concept in politics.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Polity
Publication date
2002
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0745615201
ISBN 13 
9780745615202
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
160
Rating
  • 3.38 out of 5 stars
    26 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780745615196: Introducing Democracy: 80 Questions and Answers

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0745615198 ISBN 13:  9780745615196
Publisher: Polity, 1995
Hardcover