The Theory of Democracy Revisited

The Theory of Democracy Revisited is a two-volume examination of democratic theory and practice by political scientist Giovanni Sartori. Published in 1987, this work represents Sartori's comprehensive analysis of democracy as both an ideal and a practical system of governance. The first volume focuses on contemporary democratic theory, examining the foundations and key concepts that underpin modern democratic systems. Sartori explores the evolution of democratic thought from ancient Greece to modern times, dissecting various interpretations and approaches to democratic governance. The second volume addresses the practical implementation of democracy, analyzing electoral systems, representation, and the mechanics of democratic institutions. Sartori examines real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the challenges and complexities of translating democratic ideals into functioning political systems. This work stands as a fundamental text in political theory, offering insights into the gap between democratic aspirations and realities. Through systematic analysis, Sartori presents a framework for understanding democracy that remains relevant to contemporary political discourse and institutional design.

Readers describe this as a comprehensive academic analysis of democratic theory. On book review sites, readers note the detailed examination of concepts like liberty, equality, and representation. Likes: - Clear breakdown of complex political concepts - Historical context for different democratic systems - Thorough citations and research - Useful for graduate-level political science courses Dislikes: - Dense academic writing style - Some sections are repetitive - Translation from Italian affects readability - Too theoretical for practical application Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (32 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) "The level of detail is impressive but makes for slow reading," notes one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews mention using it as a political science textbook but finding it "challenging for undergraduate students." A common thread in reviews is that while the content is valuable, the academic language limits its accessibility to general readers.

On Democracy by Robert Dahl A foundational text examining democratic theory through institutional frameworks and practical requirements for democratic systems.

Democratic Theory: Essays in Retrieval by C.B. Macpherson An analysis of liberal democracy's evolution with focus on market mechanisms and individual liberty within democratic structures.

Models of Democracy by David Held A systematic examination of democracy's major theoretical models from ancient Greece to contemporary times.

Democracy and Its Critics by Robert Dahl A comprehensive investigation of democracy's philosophical foundations and responses to its main theoretical challenges.

Polyarchy: Participation and Opposition by Robert Dahl A comparative study of democratic systems focusing on the relationship between participation and contestation in modern democracies.

✦ Giovanni Sartori developed the concept of "competitive theory of democracy," which greatly influenced how political scientists understand democratic systems and electoral competition. ✦ The book, published in 1987, was uniquely structured as two complementary volumes: "The Contemporary Debate" and "The Classical Issues," allowing readers to explore both modern and historical perspectives on democracy. ✦ Sartori challenged Schumpeter's minimalist theory of democracy, arguing that democracy requires more than just electoral competition - it needs informed citizens and protection of minority rights. ✦ The author coined the term "sartorial democracy," which describes how democracies can become dysfunctional when there are too many political parties with extreme ideological differences. ✦ Despite being written over three decades ago, the book's analysis of video-politics and the impact of television on democratic discourse has proven remarkably prescient in today's social media age.