Direct Democracy and the Constitution

20 Pages Posted: 23 Oct 2013

See all articles by Bruno S. Frey

Bruno S. Frey

CREMA; University of Basel

Alois Stutzer

University of Basel; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Susanne Neckermann

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Erasmus School of Economics (ESE)

Date Written: October 22, 2013

Abstract

This chapter applies a comparative approach to evaluate initiatives and referendums in the context of constitutional change. We analyze differences in the political process if citizens have access to instruments of direct democratic decision-making compared to a purely representative democratic system. We also present empirical evidence on the consequences of direct democracy and discuss arguments for and against direct democratic elements in a constitution. Finally, important issues for designing a constitution that includes direct participation rights for the citizens are taken up.

Suggested Citation

Frey, Bruno S. and Stutzer, Alois and Neckermann, Susanne, Direct Democracy and the Constitution (October 22, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2343615 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2343615

Bruno S. Frey (Contact Author)

CREMA ( email )

Südstrasse 11
Zurich, CH 8008
Switzerland
+41 44 380 00 78 (Phone)

University of Basel ( email )

Peter Merian-Weg 6
Basel, 4002
Switzerland

Alois Stutzer

University of Basel ( email )

Faculty of Business and Economics
Peter Merian-Weg 6
4002 Basel
Switzerland
0041 61 207 3361 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.wwz.unibas.ch/en/stutzer/

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Susanne Neckermann

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) ( email )

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