Final answer:
Participatory democracy is a system where citizens actively participate in decision-making, often through voting. A criticism is that it can privilege small, organized interests over the broader public good and may not accurately represent all citizens due to low voter turnout.
Step-by-step explanation:
Participatory Democracy
Participatory democracy is a model of governance that allows citizens to take an active role in the decision-making process, typically through mechanisms that enable direct participation such as voting on specific issues. One criticism of this model is that it presumes political actors will act in the public good, but often they follow their own self-interest, which may not align with the needs of the society as a whole. This can result in policies that benefit small, organized groups rather than the society at large, or the neglect of unorganized groups. Moreover, voter participation rates can be low, raising questions about whether the outcomes of participatory democracy truly reflect the will of all eligible citizens.
Criticism Example
One specific criticism is the issue of special interest politics. This occurs when small, organized groups have a disproportionate influence on political outcomes, leading to decisions that cater to these groups rather than considering the broader national interest. This can stem from a legislator's desire to secure support from voters within their own district, often ignoring whether such measures are beneficial at a national level.