Democratic theory promises that government will protect the interests of the citizenry and follow majority will in its policies. To put theory into practice, voters must be capable, elections must be meaningful, and parties must be responsible. For over two decades, Gerald Pomper has explored the empirical realities of contemporary democracy. The book features a comprehensive introductory essay, stating the major themes of this work. Each of the three major sections is preceded by Pomper's reappraisal of previous writings, both published and unpublished.