ABSTRACT
There is broad discussion of “deliberative systems” in the literature on deliberative democracy. We propose criteria by which such deliberative systems could lead to collective self-rule. In this paper, we argue that the combination in Mongolia of a “Law on Deliberative Polling” and two Deliberative Polls - one in Ulaanbaatar and one national - pilot the elements of a workable deliberative system. This system, illustrated in the two projects, begins with broad public input in the setting of an agenda, followed by deliberations of an Advisory Committee leading to a Deliberative Poll whose results constitute recommendations for implementation. In the capital city project, these recommendations were adopted by the Mayor, and in the national project they were a key input to the formulation and passage of a constitutional amendment. This pattern fits our criteria for collective self-rule in a deliberative system.
