Democratic Authority and Mini-Publics

This paper considers the relationship between democratic authority and mini-publics. It argues that mini-publics have no authority of their own, just because they are a mini-public. We may decide to act on their recommendations, but that decision must be justified in some other way. Having made this case, the paper then considers the idea that democratic authority might be devolved to a mini-public through an act of government. Having considered some of the complexities involved in this idea, the paper concludes by arguing that, while authority may be devolved, it risks leaving the broader public more redundant than before.