Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Political scientist Kevin Elliott, a lecturer in Ethics, Politics, & Economics at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS), has authored a book titled "Democracy for Busy People". The book explores democratic reform from the perspective of those who lack the time to devote to politics. Elliott's work suggests ways to improve political institutions so they empower people without overtaxing their limited capacity for active participation.
In an interview with ISPS, Elliott discussed his views on democratic citizenship and how it can be too demanding for busy individuals. He explained that he sees the history of political power as a movement from highly monopolized power to something increasingly dispersed. His project aims to perfect the institutions of representative democracy towards one that delivers on a number of checks that the founding generation of this country wrote about.
Elliott further explained his concept of 'minimum citizenship', which focuses on reducing the demands of politics so citizens can continue contributing to a democratic system while also flourishing in their private lives. He believes in maintaining a level of critical attention and civic skills all the time rather than only when called upon.
Elliott expressed concern about democratic innovations such as citizens’ assemblies being too demanding on people’s time. He suggested consolidating elections to no more than one day per year as one way to help concentrate attention and debate in communities.
He also spoke about mandatory voting, which he believes could address degrading civic skills by putting people in regular contact with political news. While some studies suggest Americans may not accept mandatory voting, Elliott pointed out that it is popular in countries like Australia where it is implemented.
In conclusion, Elliott emphasized that limiting democracy's demands is beneficial not just because it accommodates people's busy lives but also because it allows them to pursue other priorities without being burdened by politics.
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