ABSTRACT
The simplicity and apparent logic of the marketplace concept, few commentators believe that a free and open marketplace of ideas will necessarily or inevitably lead to the "truth." Even though the assumptions that underlie the marketplace-of-ideas theory have been largely repudiated, the concept survives for a variety of reasons. The alternative to a free and open marketplace of ideas is repugnant to the concept of a free society. In order to exercise that right effectively, the people must be able to debate the issues of the day freely and openly and reach political consensus regarding those issues. This process necessarily assumes the existence of an open marketplace or forum of ideas and the ability to foster change through persuasion. The United States functions as a representative democracy, which necessarily assumes that people should be allowed to choose their representatives.
