Democracy and the policy sciences
By: Peter deLeon.
Series: SUNY series in public policy
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Albany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 160
Subjects: Policy sciences; Democracy -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
Description: As originally proposed by Harold Lasswell, the policy sciences were dedicated to democratic governance. But today they are far removed from the democratic process and do little to promote the American democratic system. This book examines how in the context of American history and the development of the policy sciences, a more democratic, participatory policy analysis could be conceptualized in theory and administered in practice.

Peter deLeon argues that for the policy sciences to move toward democracy, they must accept a new analytic paradigm that draws heavily on critical thinking and the writing of post-positivism. To further that end, he presents a "minipopulist" procedure that will allow more citizen participation without hamstringing the processes of government.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.