The concept of political representation in Giovanni Sartori’s theory of democracy

Abstract

This article reflects on Giovanni Sartori’s comprehensive theory of democracy, which is based on a twofold definition, both empirical and normative. According to him, the conditions that make democracy feasible must be combined with those that make it perfectible. This premise is built upon a constructive interaction between ideals and reality (i.e. values and facts), and upon the need of optimizing instead of maximizing. Sartori argues that considering the two definitions as separate or conflicting ones impoverishes democratic theory, whereas a combined reading of both allows a comprehensive approach that brings together adequately description and prescription. Sartori’s theory’s flaw derives from the fact that, on the one hand, a selective good political representation is needed but, on the other, voters are actually affected by political primitivism. How will select representatives emerge from the primitive voters’ choice? The Italian author does not give clues about how the elections may not just result in the appointment of political representatives, but also in the selection of the best ones.