Suchergebnisse

Citizens' competence for democratic self-government must be judged by their ability to perform the typical functions of modern citizenship, rather than by their scores on surveys of political information-which are flawed in a variety of important respects. The role requirements for effective citizenship have changed throughout American history because government has grown vastly in size, complexity, & the range of functions that it performs. Effective use of citizens' political talents therefore requires limiting public surveillance & advice to broad overview aspects, rather than to micro-management. Citizens perform these more limited functions adequately, demonstrating that government by the people remains viable under modern conditions. Adapted from the source document.