The voice of the people: public opinion and democracy

Abstract

Part 1 Introduction: magic who speaks for me? out of cave? Part 2 Who speaks for people?: new beginnings a voice from Rhode Island what should representatives do? the most natural and simple idea counting people equally deliberation - thinking through issues together participation avoiding tyranny - energy that reforges democracy small scale democracy Founders' vision anti-Federalist dissent. Part 3 How became voice of people: like a burglar - informal processes of reform Bryce's prophecy - government by public opinion Gallup's answer opinions and pseudo-opinions in echo chamber a rational public? a machine that transforms itself. Part 4 Who are people?: whose declaration of independence? all men? from Douglass to Lincoln versus Douglas from paper rights to voting rights quest for voting equality declaration of sentiments whose America? how do we come to support it? Part 5 Giving people voice?: town meeting of air towards civic engagement airing people's agenda bringing deliberation to democracy. Appendix: first deliberative poll - some summary results.