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Random Assemblies for Lawmaking? Prospects and Limits

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  • James S. Fishkin

Abstract

A randomly selected microcosm of the people can usefully play an official role in the lawmaking process. However, there are serious issues to be confronted if such a random sample were to take on the role of a full-scale, full-time second chamber. Some skeptical considerations are detailed. There are also advantages to short convenings of such a sample to take on some of the roles of a second chamber. This article provides a response to the skeptical considerations. Precedents from ancient Athens show how such short-term convenings of a deliberating microcosm can be positioned before, during, or after other elements of the lawmaking process. The article draws on experience from Deliberative Polling to show how this is both practical and productive for the lawmaking process.

Suggested Citation

  • James S. Fishkin, 2018. "Random Assemblies for Lawmaking? Prospects and Limits," Politics & Society, , vol. 46(3), pages 359-379, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:polsoc:v:46:y:2018:i:3:p:359-379
    DOI: 10.1177/0032329218789889
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    Cited by:

    1. Gersbach, Hans & Mamageishvili, Akaki & Tejada, Oriol, 2019. "The Effect of Handicaps on Turnout for Large Electorates: An Application to Assessment Voting," CEPR Discussion Papers 13921, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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