The module will consist of five main topics (not necessarily in this order):
1) Inclusions and Exclusion - Who constitutes the ‘demos’? What justifies broad inclusion? Is it justifiable to exclude certain groups, such as children, the elderly, or felons?
2) Political Participation - How should ordinary citizens participate (e.g. only by voting or through deliberation)? Is there a duty to participate? Should it be mandatory? Should participants aim at ‘the common good’ or their own interests?
3) Representation - Is representative democracy preferable to direct democracy? How should representatives behave (e.g. as trustees or delegates)? How should citizens be represented (e.g. in geographical constituencies or via PR)? Do minority groups need special representation and, if so, how is this possible?
4) Political Equality (and Inequality) - What, if anything, justifies political equality? What are the arguments for giving some more power than others (e.g. differential competence or stakes)? What are the implications of equality?
5) Decision Rules - How should decisions be reached? How can we identify ‘the will of the majority’? Should the majority be restricted, e.g. by constitutional rights? Are there alternative procedures that are fairer to minorities?