Let the People Rule: How Direct Democracy Can Meet the Populist Challenge

Populist tensions can be diffuse by referendums by putting power back into the hands of the people. Direct democracy, in the form of referendums, can help bridge the growing gulf between the government and the people, bringing policies back in line with the will of the people and providing other benefits like curbing corruption.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Populism, fueled by the belief that government has lost touch with ordinary citizens, is causing instability in democracies worldwide. John Matsusaka's book, Let the People Rule, argues that this belief is rooted in reality. While democratic governments have become more efficient, they have become increasingly disconnected from the people they represent. Matsusaka proposes direct democracy, in the form of referendums, as a solution to this problem. While this idea may seem risky after Brexit, there is evidence to suggest that referendums can help bridge the growing gap between the government and the people.

Matsusaka provides examples from around the world to demonstrate how direct democracy can bring policies back in line with the will of the people and offer other benefits, such as curbing corruption. He also discusses the challenges of referendums, such as ensuring that voters choose reasonable policies and protecting minority rights. The book is one of the most comprehensive examinations of direct democracy to date, coupled with concrete, nonpartisan proposals for how countries can make the most of the powerful tools that referendums offer.

In the face of a crisis of representation that threatens democracies globally, Let the People Rule offers important new ideas about the crucial role that referendums can play in the future of government. By giving power back to the people, referendums can help restore trust in government, promote accountability, and ensure that policies reflect the needs and values of the people. As Matsusaka argues, "the people are not just the source of power; they are the ultimate arbiter of what is just and right." By embracing direct democracy, countries can build stronger, more inclusive democracies that serve the interests of all their citizens.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 155 x 232 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691199740