ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the situation and to suggest a strategy through which the individual can make himself effective. The comments may seem like sacrilege coming from a political scientist who devotes his life to the study of public affairs and who would be thought to desire the widest possible citizen participation. The citizen may develop a liking for a columnist or news commentator who suggests appropriate reading. The need for participants is so great in most public organizations that anyone who manifests interest is likely to be coopted. The chapter argues that one gives up the belief that it is realistic to expect or essential to achieve a political system in which most decisions are made in accordance with the active will of a majority of citizens. In the way specialization serves the public interest in contributing to a political system which comes closer than others to meeting the widest range of preferences.
