In this research area we investigate political and societal consequences of direct democratic institutions. In particular, we submit arguments and evidence about supposedly positive „Educative Effects“ from the context of the USA to empirical scrutiny in Switzerland and test whether direct democracy does indeed enhance political and societal behavior of citizens. Such analyses are based on a thorough elaboration of the institutions of direct democracy in the Swiss cantons and communities.
Matthias Fatke: Direct Democracy and Political Behavior and Attitudes in the Swiss cantons