Democratic deficit

A perceived gap between political decisions and the ability of affected people to influence decision-makers or hold them accountable. It can arise when institutions are distant, indirect, or insufficiently representative.

Political representation: The process by which people authorize others to act and speak politically on their behalf. A deficit emerges when representatives do not adequately reflect or answer to those they represent.
European Union: A political and economic union of European states with shared institutions and law. Its multilevel institutions are a prominent setting for debates over democratic distance and accountability.
Democratic legitimacy: The justification of political authority through accepted democratic procedures and public consent. It asks whether authority is justified, while democratic deficit identifies a perceived shortfall in democratic influence or control.
Political trust: The belief that political institutions and actors will act competently, fairly, or in the public interest. Perceived exclusion from decisions can erode confidence in institutions.
Political accountability: The obligation of political actors to explain decisions and face consequences for their conduct. Weak accountability lets decision-makers act without effective scrutiny or sanction.
European Parliament: The directly elected legislative institution of the European Union. Its elected role is often weighed against the influence of less directly accountable EU bodies.
Input legitimacy: The legitimacy a political system gains from citizens' participation and representation in decision-making. This dimension directly tests whether affected people have meaningful channels into decisions.
Voter turnout: The share of eligible voters who cast ballots in an election. Low turnout may reflect disengagement, though it does not by itself prove a democratic deficit.
Political participation: Activities through which people seek to influence public decisions or political outcomes. Limited opportunities to participate can widen the gap between policy and public influence.
European Commission: The EU institution that proposes legislation, implements policy, and enforces EU law. Its executive and agenda-setting powers raise questions about indirect public control.

Linked from 11 pages