Let the People Rule

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Propelled by the belief that government has become disconnected from ordinary citizens, a wave of populism is destabilizing democracies worldwide. John Matsusaka reveals that this belief is grounded in reality. Over the past century, while democratic governments have improved in efficiency, they have also distanced themselves from the people they represent. Matsusaka proposes a familiar yet underutilized solution: direct democracy through referendums. Although this idea may seem risky, especially post-Brexit, evidence suggests that, with careful design and implementation, referendums can help bridge the gap between government and citizens. By examining global examples, Matsusaka illustrates how direct democracy can align policies with public will and curb corruption. He also analyzes lessons from failed processes like Brexit, identifying which issues are most suitable for referendums and how they should be structured. Addressing long-standing questions about voter trust and minority rights, this work provides one of the most thorough examinations of direct democracy to date. It offers concrete, nonpartisan proposals for leveraging the powerful tools of referendums. In a time of representation crisis, this exploration presents vital insights into the potential role of referendums in shaping the future of governance.