Populism can be benign and simply mean giving ordinary citizens more of a voice. But the nasty side that can lead to far-right groups gaining momentum could still be reined in. Here’s how.
In a citizens’ jury, difficult issues are passionately but respectfully discussed by a cross-section of people from the community.
NHS Citizen Assembly
A citizens’ jury has been working to refresh the Future Melbourne strategy. It’s part of a broader shift from government decision-making for communities to decision-making with communities.
Citizens’ juries are one mechanism to draw on informed public opinion to guide policy.
Fotolia
It is claimed ‘tough on crime’ policies reflect public opinion, but a properly informed public, via models such as citizens’ juries, is likely to arrive at different views on prison and its alternatives.