This text builds on Robert Dahl's observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. In this anthology, the authors have assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse roots of the democratic ideal.

Theories of Democracy builds on Robert Dahl's observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. In this anthology, Ronald J. Terchek and Thomas C. Conte have brilliantly assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse roots of the democratic ideal, as well as to provide materials for thinking about the way some contemporary theories build on different traditions of democratic theorizing.