Theories of Democracy builds on Robert Dahl's observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. In this anthology, Ronald J. Terchek and Thomas C. Conte have brilliantly assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse roots of the democratic ideal, as well as to provide materials for thinking about the way some contemporary theories build on different traditions of democratic theorizing.

Theories of Democracy builds on Robert Dahl's observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. Beyond the broad commitment to rule by the majority, democracy involves a set of contentious debates concerning the proper function and scope of power, equality, freedom, justice, and interests. In this anthology, Ronald J. Terchek and Thomas C. Conte have brilliantly assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse roots of the democratic ideal, as well as to provide materials for thinking about the way some contemporary theories build on different traditions of democratic theorizing. The arguments addressed in Theories of Democracy appear in the voices of authors who have championed influential theories concerning the opportunities and dangers associated with democratic politics. In this collection, Terchek and Conte have selected excerpts not as a means for promoting a particular way of looking at democracy, but rather they have wisely chosen works that will enable students to carry on an informed discourse on the meaning and purposes of democratic principles and practices. Theories of Democracy is a must for every student of democracy's past, present, and future.

Part 1 Liberalism and Republicanism
Part 2 The Evolving Liberal Tradition
Chapter 3 The Second Treatise on Government & An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Chapter 4Common Sense
Chapter 5 "Federalist No. 10"
Chapter 6Democracy in America
Chapter 7On Liberty & Considerations on Representative Government
Chapter 8A Theory of Justice
Part 9 The Civic Republican Tradition and Communitarians
Chapter 10Politics
Chapter 11The Discourses
Chapter 12Social Contract
Chapter 13 "A Modell of Christian Charity"
Chapter 14 "The Necessity of Education in a Republican Government"
Chapter 15 "Community Properly Used"
Part 16 Contemporary Theories of Democracy
Part 17 Protective Democracy
Chapter 18The Political Order of a Free People
Chapter 19 "The Role of Government in a Free Society"
Part 20 Pluralist Democracy
Chapter 21Process of Government
Chapter 22Dilemmas of Pluralist Democracy
Part 23 Performance Democracy
Chapter 24Capitalism, Socialism, Democracy
Chapter 25 "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy"
Part 26 Participatory Democracy
Chapter 27 "Democratic Ends Need Democratic Methods for the Realization"
Chapter 28The Public and its Problems
Chapter 29Strong Democracy
Part 30 Critiques of Contemporary Democratic Theory and Practice
Part 31 The Realist and Neorealist Critiques
Chapter 32Economy and Society
Chapter 33Future of Democracy
Part 34 Postmodernist Critiques
Chapter 35Power/Knowledge
Chapter 36 "Democracy and Normalization"
Chapter 37 "Radical Democracy: Modern or Postmodern?"
Part 38 Discourse and Democracy
Chapter 39 "Three Normative Models of Democracy"
Chapter 40 "Liberal/Democratic Divide"
Part 41 Pushing for Inclusion
Chapter 42Engendering Democracy
Chapter 43Race Matters
Chapter 44Justice and the Politics of Difference
Part 45 Voices Outside of the West
Chapter 46 "Speech at Muir College Economic Society"
Chapter 47Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi
Chapter 48No Future without Forgiveness
Chapter 49 "In Quest of Democracy"
Chapter 50 "Conditionality
Chapter 51 "The Ten Commandments of Democracy in Haiti"