Consensus democracy is a form of democracy in which decisions are made through a process of consensus-building among all participants. Unlike traditional representative democracies, where decisions are made by elected representatives, in consensus democracy, every member of the community has a say in the decision-making process.
The application of consensus decision-making to the legislative process in a democracy is known as consensus democracy, consensus politics, or consensualism. It is distinguished by a decision-making structure that involves and considers as wide a range of opinions as possible, as opposed to systems in which minority opinions may be ignored by vote-winning majorities. Majoritarian democracy refers to the latter systems.
In a consensus democracy, the goal is to find a solution that everyone can agree on, rather than a majority or minority vote. This process involves open dialogue, active listening, and compromise, and often requires more time and effort than other forms of decision-making. It is often used in small-scale communities or organizations, such as cooperatives or intentional communities, where members have a shared interest in decision-making and a sense of responsibility for the outcomes of those decisions.
Consensus democracy also includes increased citizen participation in both setting the political agenda and making decisions. Some have suggested that advancements in information and communication technology could serve as potential enablers of such systems. A consensus government is one in which the legislature appoints the cabinet without regard for political parties. It is commonly found as part of a non-partisan or consensus democracy.
Consensus democracy seeks to avoid the potential problems of majority rule, such as the marginalization of minority viewpoints and the imposition of decisions on individuals or groups who may not agree with them. Instead, the aim is to find solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved.
Consensus democracy can be applied in a variety of settings, from small-scale community organizations to large-scale political systems. It requires a commitment to open communication, active listening, and mutual respect among all participants. While consensus decision-making can be time-consuming and challenging, it can also result in stronger and more equitable outcomes that reflect the interests and needs of all stakeholders.
Overall, consensus democracy is based on the belief that everyone’s voice matters and that decisions made collectively are more likely to be fair, just, and effective than decisions made by a few individuals or a majority vote.
