Democracy on Demand: Holding Power to Account - Paperback

by Matt Qvortrup (Author)

Democracy on demand is a most comprehensive analysis of the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of referendums and the challenges to modern democracy. It shows how democracy is vulnerable, and how it can be saved from demagogues.

Front Jacket

Democracy on-demand? Is a powerful book that provides both an analysis of the state of current democracy, and as well as a remedy for improving these. At a time of growing discontent with elites and seemingly out of touch politicians, Professor Qvortrup's book shows that more democracy - through citizen-initiated referendums - can make countries richer and governments more accountable. But the book also shows how some politicians have abused big-data and targeted voters in ways that undermine democracy. The book uniquely outlines how countries have addressed this and how referendums can be improved through citizens juries and regulation of on-line campaigning.

Back Jacket

Direct democracy makes you richer. Research shows that the average citizen earns nearly $1000 for every referendum held, and that a strong correlation exists between the frequency of referendums and a GDP per capita. Referendums can also improve the quality of democracy. So why don't we see more?

Drawing on three decades of research, Qvortrup presents a definitive statement on the benefits and history of referendums, including examples of how this instrument of democracy has been both utilised and abused. The book outlines the history of referendums, explains when politicians have submitted issues to the voters, why these votes have been won or lost - and ultimately why it matters. Uniquely, the book also examines the role of social media in referendum campaigns and makes suggestions for improving the process of direct democracy.

Written in a lucid style by one of the world's leading experts on referendums, Democracy on demand is a timely reminder of the importance of democracy in our politics, offering new insights into how direct democracy can both improve our lives and at the same time strengthen our societies.

Author Biography

Matt Qvortrup is Professor of Political Science at Coventry University