Understanding federal democracy / Arthur Benz (professor emeritus of comparative politics and German government, Institute for Political Science, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany).

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Benz, Arthur, author.

Contributor:

Edward Elgar Publishing, publisher.

Series:

Understanding series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Federal government.

Democracy.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (238 pages)

Place of Publication:

Northampton : Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026.

Summary:

This incisive book examines the relationship between federalism and democracy from a theoretical and comparative perspective. Arthur Benz proposes a novel understanding of why and how federal democracy can solve the dilemma of balancing effective governance with democratic legitimacy. Benz evaluates federal democracy as a complex system which is based on complementary principles that combine incongruent institutions. Based on historical, society-centred and actor-centred approaches, he analyses the potential frictions and constructive dynamics across diverse forms of federal government. In particular, he highlights the advantages of parliamentary democracy over presidential government. Chapters demonstrate the processes linking parliaments, parties, executives and interest groups across federal and regional jurisdictions, exploring how to enable intergovernmental coordination without restricting governments' autonomy. Understanding Federal Democracy is an important resource for scientists and students of political science and public policy, particularly those focusing on governance and democracy, federalism studies and regional government. Policymakers in the field will equally benefit from the book's academic and practical insights.

Contents:

Contents: 1. Introduction: The intricacy of federal democracy

2. Federalism and democracy: In principle complementary

3. Federal democracy: A complex system of government

4. Varieties of federal democracy

5. Societal diversity and political conflicts

6. Fiscal federalism and democracy: The challenge of distributive justice

7. From tensions to frictions: How federal democracy can fail

8. Multiple linkages: Parliaments, parties and interest groups in intergovernmental negotiations

9. Enabling citizens: Autonomy-preserving federalism

10. Conclusion: Complex democracy and federal dynamics.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print record.

ISBN:

9781035361496 (e-book)

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.