Final answer:
Barriers to the expansion of participatory democracy include voter participation issues, special interest politics, and flaws within the democratic system, such as politicians prioritizing self-interest over public good and the challenge of deciding how much direct democracy is beneficial.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several barriers or counter-arguments to the implementation or expansion of participatory democracy. One significant barrier is the issue of voter participation and the associated costs of elections. When the cost of voting, both in terms of time and resources, is high, it can deter widespread participation, resulting in a democratic system that does not truly reflect the interests of all citizens. Another concern is the influence of special interest politics, where small, organized groups can have a disproportionately large impact on political decision-making, often at the expense of the larger community's interests. Additionally, inherent flaws in the democratic system of government can create practical difficulties. For instance, politicians might follow their self-interest rather than the public good, and policies may not be enacted that would benefit society as a whole.
Furthermore, the question arises of how much direct democracy is optimal. There can be tension when citizens prefer one policy direction and the government another, leading to a debate over who should have the final say. Finally, the economic perspective highlights how a democratic system can make mistakes by enacting policies that lack societal benefits or failing to enact beneficial ones, indicating that too much democracy, like anything else, could lead to suboptimal outcomes.