ABSTRACT
Each generation of Americans evolves its own procedures to sustain and reinforce democracy. While responsiveness to the needs of the people, the rule of the majority, and nonviolent changes of those in office characterize the assumptions underlying democratic procedures, the techniques used—such as town meetings and mass voting—differ from era to era. Today’s American citizen has available a number of alternative forms of political action during the long periods between elections and in dealing with the numerous “private governments “not directly responsible to the electorate. Today’s American citizen has available a number of alternative forms of political action during the long periods between elections and in dealing with the numerous “private governments “not directly responsible to the electorate. For a democracy to function effectively—indeed, for civil society to be sustained—it is essential that the modes of political expression be both non-violent and effective.
