The Responsibilities of Democracy

by Nick Clegg, John Major

Democracy operates on consent. That means politicians have an obligation to present and argue their causes in order to ultimately win consensus. Above all, democracy requires honesty—in facing up to challenges, acknowledging fears and dangers, and admitting the limitations of government. But democracy has its flaws, not least in the lack of efficiency in the decision-making process.Amid pressing questions about the nature and limits of democracy, both in Britain and beyond, The Responsibilities of Democracy provides a clear-eyed perspective shared by two former politicians. Two central figures of the British political establishment, John Major and Nick Clegg, share their thoughts on where democracy is heading and how it can survive in the twenty-first century. Offering his perspective as a former prime minister, Major writes of the qualities on which a healthy democracy depends and expresses his deep concerns about the declining decorum of political exchange. Clegg brings a counter-perspective in discussing the ways in which political language has always involved trading insults and argues that echo chambers, although now more sophisticated, are nothing new. Compromise, Clegg insists, is not betrayal, but is instead the very substance of our politics and our democracy. The Responsibilities of Democracy explores the overall health of UK democracy, giving a balanced analysis of its values and flaws. It is also a clarion call to the electorate and politicians to nurture and protect the precious values on which democracy depends. 

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2020

About the author

Nick Clegg is the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was also Leader of the Liberal Democrats 2007-2015, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam 2005-2017 and Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands 1999-2004.

Reviews

[Kira Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

nick clegg and john major r both silly but nick had a point when he criticised fast fashion and newspapers for being only owned by old white men and using scare tactics with immigration to encourage vote leave!!

[mk.miles_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing in here that you don't already know.

Both essays essentially boil down to 'people are being very nasty about each other in politics these days and that's not very nice is it?'. This is not exactly news to anyone, and it was never news to anyone who was paying even the remotest bit of attention.

Neither essay really identifies the causes of these issues but still tries to prescribe a cure. Major says that we have a responsibility to debate with racists, which is an unsatisfying answer, whilst Clegg says we ought to be more aware of what we read and do on social media.

Clegg of course had his chance to actually change social media for the better during his tenure at Meta, but failed miserably and now things are so, so much worse. Major has done his time and has been holding back the tide of anti-EU sentiment his whole life - one of the main motivators of our poisoned discourse today - so kudos to him, in fairness.

[Jane Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read the very interesting Responsibilities of Democracy. As a youth I never rated John Major, probably heavily influenced by Spitting Image, but what a proper politician he is.
Less interested in Nick Clegg’s essay, probably still smarting from the coalition. Excellent

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening - Definitely preferred Nicolas Cleggs ideology of where democracy is heading however this was interesting overall.

[Robbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10