Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the rise in importance of unelected bodies and the challenge they present to democracy. Frank Vibert argues that, taken together, such bodies should be viewed as a new branch of government with their own sources of legitimacy and held to account through a new separation of powers.
Trade Review'This book is essential reading for all those concerned with the accountability of expert bodies, such as regulators, appointed with specific responsibilities and acting independently from ministers. Frank Vibert shows how an extension of the constitutional doctrines of the separation of powers provides a practical framework for their legitimacy. In a society increasingly dependent on knowledge, he highlights the importance of not focusing exclusively on politics as a means through which democratic societies engage in reasoned problem solving.' Sir Ian Byatt, Chairman, Water Commission for Scotland and Former Director General of Water Services (Ofwat)
'Vibert is right that too little attention has been paid to the implications of widespread outsourcing of government functions to unelected bodies. Furthermore, he proposes practical ways in which the accountability gap can be filled. This is a very valuable book.' Howard Davies, Director, LSE
'Frank Vibert's provocative and timely thesis represents a wake-up call to parliamentarians and all those who care about efficient, responsive and accountable public administration.' Rt Hon Lord Holme of Cheltenham, Chairman, House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution
'Vibert's analysis is unapologetically sweeping and confrontational, and like all important books, it raises as many questions as it answers.' Political Studies Review
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. The world of the unelected; 2. The driving forces; 3. The advantages of the new separation of powers; 4. The challenge to conventional democratic theory; 5. Adapting traditional approaches; 6. The new separation of powers and the advent of the informed citizen; 7. Informed citizens and the changing role of traditional institutions; 8. The legitimacy of the new branch; 9. The new separation of powers and the European Union; 10. International institutions: blurring the boundaries; 11. Conclusions: the accountability of the new branch.
