Since the early 1990s academic debate has focused on the functioning of democracy. Assessments have not always been favorable. We have seen a wide array of authors trying to explain the failings of advanced democracies (Fukuyama 1996; Norris 1999; Putnam 2000; Stoker 2006; Hay 2007) which is perhaps not surprising considering the indications. A steady drop in electoral turnout, lowering levels of trust, and words like ‘Politikverdrossenheit’ and ‘Parteiverdrossenheit’ or variants thereof becoming popular is many countries. <br /><br /> One possible answer to these issues that has been debated vigorously – in academia as well as parliaments – is the option of democratic reform. Indeed, from the mid 1980s onward we see (attempted) democratic reforms happening in many countries. Democratic reforms should improve several of the flaws that came out of the analysis of democracy. They should make politics more attractive for the people and invite them to participate more, thus also enhancing the legitimacy of democratic institutions. This is indeed the parliamentary rhetoric we find when we focus on specific reforms – although we can note remarkable differences between countries with regard to this aspect of reform. <br /><br /> In the paper I will address two such reforms in several countries in some detail. The introduction of directly elected mayors in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands as well as the introduction of a referendum possibility in these countries will be dealt with. I will focus on two aspects of these reforms. First I compare the rhetoric of the reform on stage to the motives behind the scenes (Goffman 1959). Are these laudable augmentations of democracy the real movers of the political actors instigating the reform? Secondly, I will look at the effects of the reforms. To what extent is democracy ameliorated, and to what extent do politicians note a difference in the way democracy functions? In the paper I will show that the motives of politicians are not always as nice as their argumentation in parliament would want us to believe, and that the effects of the reform can differ. Reforms at least do not change institutional habits straight away, but need some time to sink in.<br /><br /> Fukuyama, F. (1996). Trust: The social virtues and the creation of prosperity. New York, Free Press; Simon & Schuster.<br /> Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Garden City, NY, Doubleday Anchor Books.<br /> Hay, C. (2007). Why we hate politics. Cambridge, Polity Press.<br /> Norris, P., Ed. (1999). Critical Citizens. Global Support for Democratic Governance. Oxford, Oxford University Press.<br /> Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone. The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York, Simon & Schuster.<br /> Stoker, G. (2006). Why Politics Matters. Making Democracy Work. New York, Palgrave MacMillan.
