Democracy can be improved at local and national levels. There are a variety of proposals, some of which depend on the terms of a Scottish constitution and others on post -independence legislation.
Suggests a written Constitution is central not peripheral to making the case for Independence and is the international norm. Proposes developing one provisionally via a Constitutional Conference before next referendum.
we explore the implications of populism for adult education aimed at defending and extending democratic life. We question the conflation of agonistic democracy with left populism on several grounds, and we consider how a focus on education might help to ground their theory and clarify its ambiguities.
The findings from the People’s Gathering are organised into three broad themes: Sovereignty of the People – How do we return more power to the people? Defending our democracy – How do we stop vested interests having too much influence? How do we write the rules – How do we get the checks and balances our democracy needs?
Scotland has the worst degree of local democracy in Europe. To correct this, Scotland should create a new tier of local democracy at the community level. The size and shape of each new democratic area should be defined by communities themselves through a participatory process. Each area should then be represented by a Development Council, elected by every member of the community aged 16 or above.