Size and Local Democracy

How large should local governments be? Scholars and public sector reformers alike have asked this question for many years. Size and Local Democracy investigates this subject in four countries where local governments play an important role but are different in size and structure - Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Based on unique comparative data, the authors explore whether the size of municipalities has consequences for its citizens’ democratic perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. Chapters build cumulatively on findings of the previous chapters, to conclude that increased size may not necessarily benefit the quality of local democracy.

Scholars and students with an interest in democracy or local government will find this analytical book of interest. It will also be a useful resource to practitioners with a focus on public sector reforms.

Bas Denters, Professor of Public Governance, University of Twente, the Netherlands, Michael Goldsmith, Professor Emeritus, University of Salford, UK, the late Andreas Ladner, formerly Professor of Political Institutions and Public Administration, Swiss Graduate Institute of Public Administration (IDHEAP), University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Poul Erik Mouritzen, Professor of Political Science and Public Management, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark and Lawrence E. Rose, Professor of Political Science, University of Oslo, Norway