In 'Democracy for Realists', Achen and Bartels challenge the popular notion of democratic decision-making, arguing that voters are often uninformed and swayed by their social identities rather than rational choices. They present compelling evidence that political behavior is largely driven by partisanship and personal biases. This provocative exploration raises unsettling questions about the effectiveness of democratic systems as we know them. With a blend of engaging narrative and empirical research, the authors invite readers to reconsider what it truly means to have a government 'of the people.' Prepare to have your understanding of democracy transformed.
By Christopher H. Achen, Larry M. Bartels
Published: 2017
"Democracy is not just about voting; it's about understanding the forces that shape our choices and recognizing the limits of our rationality."
Why our belief in government by the people is unrealistic—and what we can do about it Democracy for Realists assails the romantic folk-theory at the heart of contemporary thinking about democratic politics and government, and offers a provocative alternative view grounded in the actual human nature of democratic citizens. Christopher Achen and Larry Bartels deploy a wealth of social-scientific evidence, including ingenious original analyses of topics ranging from abortion politics and budget deficits to the Great Depression and shark attacks, to show that the familiar ideal of thoughtful citizens steering the ship of state from the voting booth is fundamentally misguided. They demonstrate that voters—even those who are well informed and politically engaged—mostly choose parties and candidates on the basis of social identities and partisan loyalties, not political issues. They also show that voters adjust their policy views and even their perceptions of basic matters of fact to match those loyalties. When parties are roughly evenly matched, elections often turn on irrelevant or misleading considerations such as economic spurts or downturns beyond the incumbents' control; the outcomes are essentially random. Thus, voters do not control the course of public policy, even indirectly. Achen and Bartels argue that democratic theory needs to be founded on identity groups and political parties, not on the preferences of individual voters. Now with new analysis of the 2016 elections, Democracy for Realists provides a powerful challenge to conventional thinking, pointing the way toward a fundamentally different understanding of the realities and potential of democratic government.
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“Democracy is not just about voting; it's about understanding the forces that shape our choices and recognizing the limits of our rationality.”
Democracy for Realists
By Christopher H. Achen, Larry M. Bartels
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Christopher H. Achen is a prominent political scientist and author known for his contributions to the fields of political behavior and methodology. He is particularly recognized for his work on public opinion and political decision-making. Notable works include 'Inequality and American Democracy: What We Know and What We Need to Know,' co-authored with Larry M. Bartels, and 'The Response to the Boston Marathon Bombing: A Study in the Social and Political Effects of a Public Crisis.' Achen's writing style is characterized by its rigorous analytical approach, combining empirical research with accessible prose to engage both academic and general audiences.
Larry M. Bartels is a distinguished political scientist and author, recognized for his insightful analyses of American politics and public opinion. He is the author of several notable works, including 'Pledge of Allegiance: The Left, the Right, and Center' and 'Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government' co-authored with Christopher Achen. Bartels' writing is characterized by rigorous empirical research, a clear and engaging narrative style, and a commitment to unpacking the complexities of electoral behavior and democratic governance. His contributions to the field have made him a prominent voice in the study of political behavior and the functioning of democracy in the modern age.
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