SKU: 157147811

Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government

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Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive GovernmentWhy our belief in government by the people is unrealistic and what we can do about it Democracy for Realists assails the romantic folk theory at the heart of contemporary thinking about democratic politics and government, and offers a provocative alternative view grounded in the actual human nature of democratic citizens. Christopher Achen and Larry Bartels deploy a wealth of social scientific evidence, including ingenious original analyses of topics

Why our belief in government by the people is unrealistic--and what we can do about it

Democracy for Realists assails the romantic folk-theory at the heart of contemporary thinking about democratic politics and government, and offers a provocative alternative view grounded in the actual human nature of democratic citizens.

Christopher Achen and Larry Bartels deploy a wealth of social-scientific evidence, including ingenious original analyses of topics ranging from abortion politics and budget deficits to the Great Depression and shark attacks, to show that the familiar ideal of thoughtful citizens steering the ship of state from the voting booth is fundamentally misguided. They demonstrate that voters--even those who are well informed and politically engaged--mostly choose parties and candidates on the basis of social identities and partisan loyalties, not political issues. They also show that voters adjust their policy views and even their perceptions of basic matters of fact to match those loyalties. When parties are roughly evenly matched, elections often turn on irrelevant or misleading considerations such as economic spurts or downturns beyond the incumbents' control; the outcomes are essentially random. Thus, voters do not control the course of public policy, even indirectly.

Achen and Bartels argue that democratic theory needs to be founded on identity groups and political parties, not on the preferences of individual voters. Now with new analysis of the 2016 elections, Democracy for Realists provides a powerful challenge to conventional thinking, pointing the way toward a fundamentally different understanding of the realities and potential of democratic government.

-- "Choice"

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 08/29/2017
ISBN: 9780691178240
Pages: 408
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.20w x 1.20d
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SKU: 157147811

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Kristi Perez
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Stylish and comfy
Size: 7.5, Color: Brown
Super cute and comfy sandals! I love that they are adjustable.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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Beth
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great option for a great price
Size: 7.5, Color: Black
I love these sandals. They are well made, true to size and soft suede. They are lightweight and feel just like my UGG goldenstar sandals. (These are not as adjustable, so if you have narrow or wide feet, these may not be for you) These a great value for the money, especially for medium width feet. The strap across the toe is not adjustable, but fit my feet just fine. The ankle strap was a good length for me. And the Velcro is strong. These sandals are a great value for the money. I will probably start looking into kookaburra before I rush to buy the more expensive ones now.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
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Never received!! Very disappointed!!
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality, good looking shoes!
Size: 8.5, Color: Green
Absolutely perfect fit, design, and color. I'm so pleased with these sandals and as always with this brand, I am not in anyway disappointed. These shoes are so comfortable right out of the box. They clean up very nicely, and last forever. I am so glad I got these before they were sold out.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
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Marla
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
UGG Comfort Without the Premium Price
Size: 9, Color: Beige, Size: 9, Color: Beige
These sandals are super cute and incredibly comfortable. They have that classic UGG look and feel, but at a much more approachable price point. The footbed is cushioned and supportive, making them easy to wear for extended periods. The straps feel secure without rubbing, and the overall construction feels solid and well made. They’re lightweight but still have a sturdy sole with good traction. They pair effortlessly with casual outfits and have that relaxed, elevated vibe UGG is known for—just without the higher price tag. A great value for both style and comfort.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2026
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Diane
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Ugg comfy shoes
Size: 7, Color: Black
So comfortable and cute as well. I wore these the first time and had to have everyone touch them to see how the sole would squish. Fit well, and are lightweight as well.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026

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