Definition: Deliberative Democracy

Deliberative democracy is a concept that focuses on how decisions should be made in a democratic society. The word “deliberative” comes from the term “deliberation,” which means thoughtful and careful discussion. In a deliberative democracy, the emphasis is not just on the act of voting but on the quality of the discussions and reasoning that lead to those votes. Meaning that it emphasizes an informed and inclusive decision-making process and seeks to ensure that public policies are the result of thoughtful discussion rather than mere voting without adequate understanding.