ABSTRACT
Today, we include many ideas and concerns within the broad definition of democracy. In situations where it is not explicitly the focus of attention, on closer examination it is found behind discussion of other issues. When Americans complain about high taxes, they may in part be saying they want more influence over how government uses their money. When they express concern about the size or intrusiveness of government, in part they may mean the public sector seems to be moving into so many areas of the lives of individuals that they feel squeezed, constrained. When they talk about unresponsive bureaucrats, government “experts” who do not listen to citizens, or nonsensical regulations, they are worrying that somehow democracy, whatever the word means to each individual, is being damaged.
