Rappresentanza democratica e strumenti di partecipazione. Esperienze di diritto comparato.

It is quite often claimed that a ‘democratic deficit’ or an ‘infringed popular will’ are emerging phenomena. If (as Jean Jacques Rousseau pointed out) electors need to be connected to the elected, it is, indeed, this connection which is lacking. Parties are failing in their duties. Other participatory democracy mechanisms (procedural participation, consultation, full information, etc.) are replacing political parties’ functions, ensuring the daily engagement of citizens and their associations – interest groups and lobbyists – in directing the course of politics. More in general, it must be clear that an elective system is a necessary but not sufficient means to enhance democratic goals, to impose popular will in collective decisions. In any case, many issues have to be settled: which is the nature of the relations between the voters and the elected? What is the rôle played by parties? What is the degree of representativeness of the legislative assemblies? What are the proceedings through which the final decisions are taken?Which is the role of direct democracy