Direct Democracy: The Politics of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall [Paperback]

Thomas E. Cronin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1999

A decade ago, as we celebrated the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitutions ratification, we were mindful that the founding fathers were fearful of direct democracy; virtuous representatives were to be at the center of the new political experiment. Ballot democracy, populist democracy, democracy by initiative, referendum, and recallhowever one labels itis only one hundred years old in the United States and has been in and out of fashion during that time. At the writing of this book there was a resurgence of interest in new kinds of forces trying to overturn legislative and executive fiat by direct ballot. In this book Thomas Cronin suggests why this is so, how it is working, and what should be done. Cronin examines the use of the initiative and referendum offered in twenty-six states over the yearsincluding some very difficult issues such as tax caps on spending, the death penalty, pornography, prayer in schools, abortion and homosexual rightsand he makes sense out of the sponsors motives and the voters reactions. Through the analysis of hundreds of reports, studies, hearings, polls, and interviews that cover the country from Maine to California, he provides evidence to assess the state of participatory democracywhat happens when people decide to take charge after they perceive that their elected officials have failed to understand them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

At publication Thomas Cronin was McHugh Professor of American Institutions and Leadership, The Colorado College and the author of a number of books including The State of the Presidency; U.S. v. Crime in the Streets and Government by the People

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (June 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583483012
• ISBN-13: 978-1583483015
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent primer for any student, researcher or citizen., November 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Direct Democracy: The Politics of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall (Twentieth Century Fund Books) (Paperback)

Direct democracy is an excellent introduction into the workings of democracy and the ambiguity of the various systems which claim the title of democracy. In almost textbook fashion, the book analyses the history of the democratic process and its possible continued evolution. An easy to read book that should be in every political theory classroom and on every citizen's bookshelf. If you are a student of democratic or social theory this text is invaluable as a guide to the multitude of implications democracy harbours. If you are an active citizen I would urge you to read this book to be aware of the manchinery of democracy. If you are not an active citizen read Thomas E. Cronin's Direct Democracy and you will become one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cool headed analysis of tools of direct democracy, July 31, 2009

By 

Steven A. Peterson (Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Direct Democracy: The Politics of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall (Paperback)

There are a number of tools for what is called direct democracy (Page vii), ". . .devices created to give voters a greater direct voice in our democracy--referendum, initiative, recall. . . ." Thomas Cronin has authored a clear headed analysis of these tools of democracy. First, some definitions are needed.

Referendum is when voters vote on some proposed principle and, in essence, pass something into law. California voters have "passed" laws over the years that restrict property tax increases and so on. Initiative is the mechanism by which voters can propose and get items up for a referendum. In that sense, they can propose legislation upon which they will then vote (all of this is way oversimplified). Recall? Voters can kick elected officials out of office. As of the time this book was published. some states allowed all three (e.g., California, Alaska, Colorado); others were much less generous in their accepting these tools of direct democracy (among states that allow for none of the three tools of direct democracy--Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota).

The book begins with good discussions of the pluses and minuses of representative democracy versus direct democracy, setting the stage for what follows. Subsequent chapters address the capability of citizens to make direct democracy work, the effect of direct democracy on various minority groupings, the role of money, and so on. The final part of the book provides a sensible analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of direct democracy.

All in all, a solid analysis of the role of the people in the governing process. If you are interested in direct democracy, this is one good starting point.