The power perspective sees democracy as an effort to balance social power.
History is a chronicle of societies where social power has been concentrated in a few hands.
Democracy proposes that social power be distributed as widely and evenly as possible and, where it must be concentrated, it is made constitutionally answerable to those over whom it is exercised. Not surprisingly, the power perspective on democracy is concerned with institutions, constitutions, and other formal arrangements that impose structure and balance on social power relationships. The participation perspective sees democracy as an activity through which citizens participate in their community. Participation is considered a basic human need, a natural outgrowth of our social nature. Public life in general, and political activity in particular, allow us to partake in and shape a larger world beyond ourselves.