Citizens' assemblies for referendums and constitutional reforms

An academic article on the institutionalization of citizens' assemblies in Ireland, considering whether the “Irish model” can be successfully replicated in other countries.

Deliberative mini-publics are panels of randomly selected citizens who make recommendations on public policies. Ireland is unique in having held four consecutive randomly selected citizens' assemblies, some of which produced major political outcomes through successful referendums that no other country has achieved. This article examines the "Irish model" by analyzing the international context in which it took place, differences between the various Irish assemblies, and their limitations, to assess whether this model is replicable in other countries.

Source: Frontiers in Political Science
Author information and contact: Dimitri Courant
Language: English

Year of publication: 2021