How does Unlock Democracy view democracy?
Democracy thrives when it is both principled and participatory. Liberal democracy provides the essential framework of rights, representation, and the rule of law. Yet, on its own, it can risk becoming distant from citizens’ everyday concerns. By complementing the representative model with participative elements - such as citizens’ assemblies - democracy can become more inclusive, responsive, and dynamic. This combined approach recognises the enduring strengths of liberal institutions while embracing new forms of public engagement, ensuring that democracy remains both resilient and people-powered.
Underlying this view is the recognition that democracy is not a static arrangement but a contested ideal. Political theorists have often argued that the legitimacy of democracy rests not only on institutional safeguards but also on the quality of citizen participation. Unlock Democracy builds on this tradition, seeking to bridge the gap between liberal constitutionalism and participatory innovation.
Liberal democracy
Liberal democracy is a political system grounded in individual rights, representative institutions, and the rule of law. It seeks to balance majority rule with protections for minorities, ensuring that government power is limited and accountable. Central to this model are:
Free and fair elections, where citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Checks and balances, including an independent judiciary, to prevent abuses of authority.
Civil liberties, such as freedom of expression, association, and belief, which safeguard pluralism and public debate.
The philosophical roots of liberal democracy can be traced to John Locke’s theory of limited government and John Stuart Mill’s emphasis on liberty and pluralism. In practice, it reflects a concern with preventing tyranny - whether of rulers or of unchecked majorities - through institutional design.
This system has proven remarkably resilient, creating stable institutions, protecting personal freedoms, and fostering prosperity. Yet critics such as Robert Dahl, and more recently Colin Crouch, note that electoral representation and constitutional guarantees alone may not ensure genuine responsiveness. Low voter turnout, and declining trust in so-called elites can erode the democratic spirit even when institutions remain intact.
The need for participation
While representative democracy remains vital, it can sometimes feel distant or unresponsive to citizens’ lived experiences. Modern societies face complex challenges - climate change, technological disruption, inequality - that require renewed trust and engagement between people and institutions.
By embedding participatory structures, democracy moves beyond being merely a system of ‘aggregation’ (counting votes) to one of ‘deliberation’ (considering perspectives), aligning with what Carole Pateman called the ‘participatory ideal’ of democratic life. Mechanisms such as citizens’ assemblies, deliberative polls, and even participatory budgeting allow ordinary people to engage directly in shaping policy. In this light, participative mechanisms have been argued to:
Strengthen legitimacy by ensuring diverse voices are heard
Improve decision-making through inclusive, evidence-based deliberation
Foster civic responsibility and political literacy
Sherry Arnstein’s famous ‘ladder of participation’ illustrates why such mechanisms matter: liberal democracy’s tendency to tokenistic consultation is insufficient; meaningful citizen power in decision-making is required for participation to be transformative.
Towards a thriving, people-powered democracy
A thriving democracy requires both the stability of liberal institutions and the energy of citizen participation. By combining participative mechanisms with traditional representative structures, societies can create a more responsive, inclusive, and future-oriented democracy.