Direct democracy in the Baltic states: institutions, procedures and practice in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Collection:
Mokslo publikacijos / Scientific publications
Document Type:
Knygos / Books
Language:
Anglų kalba / English
Title:
Direct democracy in the Baltic states: institutions, procedures and practice in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Authors:
Somer, Evren
Publication Data:
Frankfurt am Main : Peter Lang, 2015.
Pages:
192 p
Series:
Studien des Instituts für Ostrecht München; Bd. 76
Contents:
Preface — Introduction — Definition and classification of direct democracy: Popular sovereignty through referendums; Mechanisms of direct democracy and veto player; Constraints on mechanism of direct democracy — The legal framework and practice of direct democracy in Estonia: Direct democratic instruments in Estonia; Estonian direct democracy in practice; Explanations for the Estonian practice — The legal framework and practice of direct democracy in Latvia: Direct democratic instruments in Latvia; Latvian direct democracy in practice; Explanations for the Latvian practice — The legal framework and practice of direct democracy in Lithuania: Direct democratic instruments in Lithuania; Lithuanian direct democracy in practice; Explanations for the Lithuanian practice — The quality of direct democracy in the Baltic states: A comparison of use and success of Baltic referendums; Policy change through referendums; Quality of direct democracy; More than instruments — Conclusions: Rich in instruments, moderate in use, poor in performance; A better design for a better balance — References.
Subject Category:
LT
Estija (Estonia); Latvija (Latvia); Lietuva (Lithuania); Politinė ideologija / Political ideology.
Summary / Abstract:

ENOver the last decades, provisions for direct democracy have increasingly been added to new constitutions around the world, including in the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Using a comparative legal approach, this book identifies a large set of direct democratic instruments in the Baltics that are being activated either automatically, by public authorities or by the citizens. Although direct democracy should empower the people to share state power and to take political decisions over the heads of their representatives, the results of its practical use between 1991 and 2014 do not confirm these assumptions. Besides informal aspects there are many procedural obstacles in each country that restrict not only the use of such tools but also the chance that the referendum will pass.

ISBN:
9783631652985
Subject:
Politikos mokslai / Political sciences
Permalink:
https://www.lituanistika.lt/content/58085
Updated:
2026-02-25 13:35:46
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