The relationship between the voter and those elected to represent him/her should not be defined as one in which elected representatives are left to all the work once the voter has cast his/her vote. Indeed, it becomes quickly clear from the way in which western democracies work on a daily basis that this description of the relationship does not do justice to the role played by voters. The contribution made by individuals is more far-reaching when we add to the equation the other areas in which individuals can make a contribution such as political parties, associations, civil-action groups and work at a grassroots level. Just as they are an essential part of modern working and economic life in an industrialized nation, organized groups in political life also represent a decisive way of releasing individuals from their feeling of powerlessness and helplessness in the face of overpowering circumstances and of making them a functioning link in a complicated society. Parties, associations, civil-action groups and grassroots' workers attempt to influence the forming of a public will of the people according to the convictions and interests that they represent either directly or by swaying public opinion; presenting their wishes and worries before government and parliament or by even relieving state authorities of their responsibilities and attempting to take personal charge of them.

[Taken and translated from: Waldemar Besson/Gotthard Jasper, Das Leitbild der modernen Demokratie. Bauelemente einer freiheitlichen Staatsordnung, BpB Bonn 1990]

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Subjects:  Human Rights  I  Democracy  I  Parties  I  Examples  I  Europe  I  Globalisation  I  United Nations  I  Sustainability

Methods:    Teaching Politics    II    Peace Education    II    Methods