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Direct Democracy: The Politics of Initiative, Referendum, and Recall

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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.

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.