Popular Support for Democracy in Unified Germany: Critical Democrats (New Perspectives in German Political Studies)

This book examines attitudes towards democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany. By drawing on extensive survey evidence, it charts Germans' changing views of the political system prior to and following unification. The study examines four aspects of the political system: how it functions overall, attitudes towards the Basic Law, trust in representative institutions, and views of the European Union. Rather than accepting or rejecting democracy, the research shows how Germans merge shades of criticism and support. In addition, it pinpoints the factors that condition support, showing how it is influenced by durable and changeable stimuli. Overall, the findings challenge suggestions of a crisis of democracy but they also demonstrate that support is particularly low towards aspects of the European Union. This book appeals to readers interested in public opinion and democracy in Germany, along with those interested in the changing relationship between citizens and the state. Ross Campbell is Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK. His research focuses on the politics of the Federal Republic of Germany and he has published widely on attitudes towards democracy, electoral behaviour and political participation. His recent articles have appeared in the European Journal of Political Research, International Political Science Review, German Politics and Contemporary Politics. He is a member of the editorial board for the Journal for Contemporary European Studies Front Matter ....Pages i-xvi Introduction (Ross Campbell)....Pages 1-24 Theories of Popular Support for Democracy (Ross Campbell)....Pages 25-50 Designing the Research: From Concept to Measures and Methods (Ross Campbell)....Pages 51-70 Mapping Popular Support for Democracy in Germany (Ross Campbell)....Pages 71-98 Evaluative Support and the Functioning of Democracy in Germany (Ross Campbell)....Pages 99-126 Affective Support and Constitutional Patriotism (Ross Campbell)....Pages 127-156 Trust in Democratic Institutions: Evidence and Explanations Beyond Unification (Ross Campbell)....Pages 157-185 Trust in the EU and Governing Without Consensus (Ross Campbell)....Pages 187-213 Popular Support and German Democracy; Resilience and Restoration (Ross Campbell)....Pages 215-227 Back Matter ....Pages 229-263