DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND THE POLICY SCIENCES

Theory: The policy sciences and democracy are increasingly viewed as i nseparable in both theory and practice. Argument: The ''policy science s of democracy'' are disturbingly vague as to precisely what is meant by ''democracy'': is it an indirect? Madisonian democracy, one of repr esentation and factions, or is it a more participatory, deTocquevillea n democracy dependent upon general civic participation? Conclusions: T he policy sciences, as originally prescribed by Lasswell to include a strong and active democratic strain, have been altered to emphasize an unrepresentative expertise, thus distancing themselves from their ini tial articulation. Many of the presently perceived shortcomings of the policy sciences can be traced to its proponent's ascription to a remo ved rather than a direct form of democracy. Implications: The policy s ciences must therefore recast their theory and methodology in a more p articipatory vein in order to recapture their early promise of improve d governance through the policy sciences of democracy.