| Contrary to what many believe or (even worse) preach, participatory democracy mechanisms do NOT displace the structure of representative democracy but rather reinforce it with greater and more direct citizen participation in public decisions. Indeed, in nations with strong representative systems, such as the US, some participatory democratic mechanisms have evolved into a symbiotic relationship with their representative systems, compelling those in charge of representing them to increasingly consider the views and goals of their constituents. The example that follows is enlightening. |
In his piece “Participatory Democracy in Action,” The American Law Institute (ALI) President David F. Levi reflects on a powerful experience mediating a dispute between the U.S. Department of Energy, the New Mexico Environment Department, and seven citizen groups over the renewal of the state permit for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the nation’s only deep underground nuclear waste storage facility.
What began as a conventional mediation evolved into a striking example of participatory democracy. Over four days, government representatives, contractors, and diverse community groups—ranging from business leaders in Carlsbad to environmental advocates—sat together, exchanged views, and ultimately reached a consensus on permit terms. Levi describes the process as “something magical,” noting that citizens were not merely advising but taking on the responsibility of decision makers, demonstrating compromise, collaboration, and civic engagement at its best.
He refers to three aspects of his experience that stand out: «First, everyone in the room had taken responsibility for the way in which our nation’s only deep underground nuclear storage facility would be operated for the next 10 years. The citizen participants were not just making suggestions; they were assuming many of the attributes of decision makers. Second, all participants were advocating, compromising, and collaborating on behalf of what they saw as the public interest. These are the essential skills of democracy—the civic virtues so central to the Founders’ vision of what would make democracy work in America—and they require practice. Finally, over four days around a table, the citizens were able to take the measure of the DOE and NMED representatives. They came to realize, as I did, that these public servants, as well as the DOE contractor, were very well-informed, experienced, and intentioned. The government representatives had a similar experience of coming to appreciate the citizens' questions and points of view. A government that relies on trust needs this kind of interaction to maintain that trust.»
Levi connects this experience to broader themes in American democracy. He draws a parallel to Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations of the civil jury trial as a “public school” for teaching civic virtue and democratic responsibility. While jury service remains a vital way for citizens to build trust in the courts, Levi cautions that the decline of jury trials, especially in federal court, poses risks to this important democratic practice.
>>> Read his full post HERE
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