ABSTRACT
Few issues unite Americans more than the desirability of democracy. Despite this, apparently few Americans think very deeply about what the role of citizens should be in a democracy. Logically, if the people are to rule, they must be actively involved in the governing process. However, support for the idea of people participating in politics in anyway besides voting is not nearly as widespread as the abstract belief in rule by the people. This focus on voting is congruent with the Constitution that identifies voting as a major responsibility of citizens. Yet there remains a tradition of citizens participating more directly in the decisions of government, especially at the local grass roots level. 1
