Policy Development and Intra-Party Democracy

Abstract

This chapter examines the concept of intra-party democracy, its aspirations and actual practices, in the context of policy development. Using a range of examples from contemporary party systems, the chapter addresses four main themes. First, it articulates the basic form(s) that intra-party democracy takes when it comes to policy development, and examines some of the expectations that party rhetoric creates on the part of the public, supporters, party members and leaders. Second, it analyses the modes of membership participation in policy development (direct, delegation, representation, and consultation), and how are these put into actual practice by political parties. Third, it evaluates the link between the preferences and involvement of the membership and policies developed by the party. Finally, it assesses the electoral and governance impacts of a democratic intra-party policy process.