Images of Voting/Visions of Democracy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Elections
Cover of the book Images of Voting/Visions of Democracy by Peter Natchez, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter Natchez ISBN: 9781351513517
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Peter Natchez
ISBN: 9781351513517
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

When survey research, statistics, and electronic data processing were first introduced, they held out promise that a new level of political knowledge would be created. Applied to the study of voting behavior, survey research promised an understanding of the factors determining the outcome of an election, that political history could be based on rich and current data, and that we could begin to understand the role of elections in constitutional democracy. The truth as Peter B. Natchez shows, is that despite the opportunity provided by this revolution, voting studies have failed to make significant contributions to democratic theory or political history.The findings of voting studies have spread from the universities into the political system with a rather grim message. In its simplest form the message is this: the electorate does not measure up to the task thrust upon it by democracy. The studies conclude that voters choose candidates for reasons having little relevance to the success of the political system, and little relevance even to politics. Thus political science, in shifting from an optimistic focus on theory to a strong emphasis on empiricism, became a source of pessimism.One cannot study democracy or the democratic process without a point of view on democracy. The scientific method requires a point of view: science is not only a method for discovering reality, but for addressing well-structured questions. Natchez identifies goals for democracy, freedom and tolerance, and consciousness in decision making. Elections serve two functions; one, filling constitutional offices, and two, a symbolic function rooted in democratic experience that is more ambiguous, but no less vital as a part of regime analysis. A political science that connects these two aspects of voting will require an analysis of why voters vote the way they do to fill offices; but, more importantly, it will also require an understanding of the symbolic function of elections.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When survey research, statistics, and electronic data processing were first introduced, they held out promise that a new level of political knowledge would be created. Applied to the study of voting behavior, survey research promised an understanding of the factors determining the outcome of an election, that political history could be based on rich and current data, and that we could begin to understand the role of elections in constitutional democracy. The truth as Peter B. Natchez shows, is that despite the opportunity provided by this revolution, voting studies have failed to make significant contributions to democratic theory or political history.The findings of voting studies have spread from the universities into the political system with a rather grim message. In its simplest form the message is this: the electorate does not measure up to the task thrust upon it by democracy. The studies conclude that voters choose candidates for reasons having little relevance to the success of the political system, and little relevance even to politics. Thus political science, in shifting from an optimistic focus on theory to a strong emphasis on empiricism, became a source of pessimism.One cannot study democracy or the democratic process without a point of view on democracy. The scientific method requires a point of view: science is not only a method for discovering reality, but for addressing well-structured questions. Natchez identifies goals for democracy, freedom and tolerance, and consciousness in decision making. Elections serve two functions; one, filling constitutional offices, and two, a symbolic function rooted in democratic experience that is more ambiguous, but no less vital as a part of regime analysis. A political science that connects these two aspects of voting will require an analysis of why voters vote the way they do to fill offices; but, more importantly, it will also require an understanding of the symbolic function of elections.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Classic Essays in Early Rabbinic Culture and History by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book The Republic of Lebanon by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book The Illustrated Baburnama by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Bilingualism by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Beyond Critique by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Welfare Warriors by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book The Magic of Fashion by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Citizenship Education in the United States by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Consumer Culture, Branding and Identity in the New Russia by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Teacher Empowerment and Cultural Context by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book The Interpersonal, Cognitive, and Social Nature of Depression by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book A Marxist History of Capitalism by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book Gender Trouble Makers by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book International Law and International Relations by Peter Natchez
Cover of the book In The High Yemen by Peter Natchez
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy