CONSTRUCTIVE CONTROVERSY AND DEMOCRACY
Thomas Jefferson believed that free and open discussion should serve as the basis of influence within society, not the social rank within which a person was born. Based on the beliefs of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and their fellow revolutionaries, American democracy was founded on the premise that “truth” will result from free and open-minded discussion in which opposing points of view are advocated and vigorously argued.
Every citizen is given the opportunity to advocate for his or her ideas and to listen respectfully to opposing points of view. Political discourse is the formal exchange of reasoned views as to which of several alternative courses of action should be taken to solve a societal problem. It is intended to involve all citizens in the making of the decision. Citizens are expected to persuade one another (through valid information and logic) as to what course of action would be most effective. Political discourse is aimed at making a decision in a way that ensures all citizens are committed to (a) implementing the decision (whether they agree with it or not) and (b) the democratic process. Once a decision is made, the minority is expected to go along willingly with the majority because they know they have been given a fair and complete hearing. To be a citizen in our democracy, individuals need to internalize the norms for constructive controversy as well as master the process of researching an issue, organizing their conclusions, advocating their views, challenging opposing positions, making a decision, and committing themselves to implement the decision made (regardless of whether one initially favored the alternative adopted or not). In essence, the use of constructive controversy teaches the participants to be active citizens of a democracy.
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