Synopses & Reviews
This book evaluates the role and performance of the Australian parliament. It explores its institutional design and its principles and practices, presenting a compelling case for reform. Uhr looks at the place of representative assemblies in liberal political theory and examines ways in which deliberative democracy might be made more effective and meaningful in Australia. Combining political theory with first-hand knowledge of the Australian parliament, the author makes an important contribution to debates in Australia and internationally.
Review
"...well-researched, original, and provocative work..." Choice
Synopsis
Uhr evaluates the role and performance of the Australian parliament, and presents a compelling case for reform.
Synopsis
This book evaluates the role, structure and performance of the Australian parliament, and presents a compelling case for reform. Combining political theory with first-hand knowledge of the Australian parliament, Uhr examines ways in which deliberative democracy might be made more effective and meaningful in Australia.
Table of Contents
Part I. Framework of Analysis: 1. Deliberative democracy in theory; Part II. Parliament in Political Theory: 2. Theories of parliamentary power; 3. Doctrines of responsible government; 4. Devices of deliberative democracy; Part III. Parliament in Australian Practice: 5. The ends of representation; 6. The means of legislation; 7. Accountability: parliamentary principles; 8. Accountability: parliamentary practices; Part IV. Combining Theory and Practice: 9. Deliberative democracy in Australian practice.