Representation and direct democracy in the United States

Abstract

Direct democracy is currently flourishing in the American states. The mechanisms of direct democracy, specifically the initiative, affect issues of representation in two fundamental ways. In reviewing the scholarly literature on direct democracy, we first highlight the instrumental outcomes of ballot propositions and how they directly or indirectly shape governance and public policy. We then examine the spillover or educative effects ballot measures have on the broader electoral landscape and political processes. We suggest the educative effects of the process on civic engagement, political participation, interest groups and political parties may prove to be equally, or more, important than any policy resulting from its instrumental use. © 2006 McDougall Trust, London.