Participatory Democracy and Its Limits
Abstract
This review surveys the limits of participatory democracy and reconsiders its merits, with particular emphasis on the limited attention of citizens. I trace the development of participatory democracy within political science and democratic theory and suggest that participation has fallen out of its previously central role as a criterion of democratic quality. What remains is a set of functions and pitfalls, which I explore in a series of inquiries into participation: ( a ) in lottocracy and electoral democracy, ( b ) in its relationship to representation, and ( c ) in local land use planning. I conclude with thoughts for future research informed by the discussion.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Social Media and Politics
Urban Planning and Governance
Sustainability and Climate Change Governance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annual Review of Political Science
- Publisher
- Annual Reviews
- Volume
- 29
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 329–347
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN