A Preface to Democratic Theory

by Robert A. Dahl

Book Overview

A Preface to Democratic Theory explores some problems left unsolved by traditional democratic theory, Professor Dahl examines two influential "model" theories--the Madisonian, representing the prevailing American doctrine, and its recurring challenger, the populistic theory--and argues that they no longer explain how modern democracies operate. He then constructs a model more consistent with modern political science, and, in doing so, develops...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226134261
• ISBN13: 9780226134260
• Release Date: April 1963
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 163 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Splendid Work of Modern Political Theory

What is democracy? What SHOULD democracy be? How can we maximize what we think of as important precepts for a democratic society? Such questions are the subject of Robert Dahl's seminal work, "A Preface to Democratic Theory." (1956) Dahl begins by taking Madisonian democracy to task. Forged largely in the mind of James Madison, this model of democracy was embodied by the early United States, emphasizing constitutional checks on majority rule (the so-called "tyranny of the majority) and an "extension of the sphere" to include more factions -- competing interest groups -- into the political system, so that a majority would be less likely to form. By today's standards, this system was profoundly undemocratic, with political sovereignty and equality obscured by a bizarre obsession with preventing majority rule. Dahl argues that this can largely be explained by historical context: Many of the Founding Fathers, including Madison, were propertied slave owners and thus had a vested interest in preventing a mostly property-less population from acquiring the reigns of power. If Madisonian democracy is found to be lacking, what about a majoritarian system? As simple as the concept seems at first glance, Dahl lucidly demonstrates problems that would arise with such a model: What would happen if two policy options received the same amount of votes? What about the intensity of either side? Should a largely ambivalent majority reign supreme over an extremely passionate minority? Also, is political equality necessarily the axiom a political system should epitomize? After a brief discussion of the intensity problem, Dahl advances his most significant contribution to political science: the notion of "polyarchy." The modern United States is a polyarchy, or a system with relatively democratic processes for controlling leaders. It is important to note, however, that polyarchy does not equate to democracy. It merely meets necessary but not sufficient conditions for democracy. Finally, this Expanded Edition features a brief update by the author of how his arguments have held up over time (50 years later). Dahl is confident in the continued relevance of his work, but has adopted a more tempered view of Madison. Reflecting on letters and writings produced by Madison after the nation's founding, Dahl finds that Madison developed a more democratic view of majorities once he experienced the country's continuing evolution. Madison was still a slaveholder, however, even if an enlightened one. Only gradually did the country move away from his original vision of society. Dahl's blend of empirical work, theory, and the fact that he addresses normative concerns (something that is rare in political science these days) make this a must-read for curious citizens and scholars alike. Recommended Reading: --Federalist No. 10 (will help you follow along with Dahl's arguments) --Polyarchy: Participation and Opposition (The polyarchy concept developed more fully) --Democracy and