Sortition: Reviving Democracy Through Citizen Assemblies: Power by Lottery: Reimagining Democracy for a New Era

Sortition: Reviving Democracy Through Citizen Assemblies explores an ancient democratic concept reimagined for the modern world. At a time when traditional electoral politics is marred by polarization, elite control, and public disillusionment, this book introduces sortition - the practice of selecting political representatives through random lottery - as a revolutionary yet practical solution.

Blending historical insight with contemporary examples, the book traces sortition's roots from its successful use in ancient Athens to its resurgence in modern-day experiments in Ireland, Iceland, and beyond. These real-world case studies demonstrate how randomly selected citizen assemblies have resolved contentious issues, from constitutional reform to climate action, proving that everyday people are capable of making informed, impactful decisions.

The book delves into the challenges plaguing our current systems, including the influence of money, gerrymandering, and declining voter engagement, and makes the case for how sortition can address these problems by creating legislatures that truly represent the diversity of society. It outlines a bold proposal for implementing sortition at various levels of government, exploring the logistics of selection, training, and integration with existing institutions.

With a balance of rigorous research, compelling storytelling, and a touch of wit, Sortition: Reviving Democracy Through Citizen Assemblies is both a call to action and a guide for anyone eager to rethink democracy from the ground up. Whether you're a political junkie, a frustrated voter, or simply curious about how we can make governance more inclusive and effective, this book offers a hopeful vision for the future.