ABSTRACT
Within the spectrum of social decision functions, this chapter is concerned with the particular social decision-making rule called democracy. The definition of democracy is one of the most controversial matters in the field of the social sciences, so that even an introduction to the topic could form the subject of a substantial book. This little book must, therefore, neglect all the historical background underlying the concept and practice of democracy, and start by simply defining it. Let us agree, then, with Lord Bryce in his Modern Democracies that
‘… democracy really means nothing more nor less than the rule of the whole people expressing their sovereign will by their votes.’
