Final answer:
Enhanced participation of citizens in policy making is crucial for democracy, but practical barriers can limit engagement. Addressing these barriers can make such participation a realistic aspect of governance and improve the effectiveness of government action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether enhanced participation by an active citizenry in policy making and service delivery is realistic or undermines the effectiveness of post-New Public Management (NPM) reforms is multifaceted. Below are three points that explore this issue:
- Quality of Democracy: Participation is crucial for a vibrant democracy. An engaged citizenry ensures that the government reflects the public interest. Civic engagement includes voting, discussing politics, and contacting representatives, all of which can lead to a government with greater integrity and policies that align with public wishes.
- Barriers to Participation: While the ideal is clear, not all citizens are equally able to participate in government affairs. Factors that contribute to this include socio-economic status, education, and access to information. To enhance participation, these barriers must be addressed.
- Impact of Civic Engagement: An active citizenry can influence what policies are pursued and who is in power. Political engagement can be effective in shaping government actions, and therefore can be a realistic aspect of governance when encouraged and made accessible to all.
However, it's important to recognize the practical challenges and barriers that can limit widespread participation and to consider how these can be mitigated to ensure that enhanced participation is not just an ideal, but a reality.