Citizens Participation In The Middle Ages

In contrast to the antique, the Middle Ages were less concerned about the role of citizens in a democracy. Rather than debating the values and pitfalls of civic participation, political philosophers, such as Machiavelli, contemplated the proper form of government and the role of rulers and subjects. However, the renaissance, reformation, and enlightenment revived old ideas of political involvement of the public. While views diverged on the matter, a resurgence of interest in democracy occurred. Themes and topics investigated ranged from the necessity of citizens participation as a protective measure of private property, as pointed out by Bentham, and to attain better outcomes, as put forth by Mill, to citizen apathy, an uniformed, uneducated
public too self-interested to act for the public good, as suggested by Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau. In addition to discussions concerning citizens’ aptitude, competence, and interest in political matters, Madisson, Marx, and others reflected on issues concerning the elites versus the masses.