The educative argument is, of course, based on a faith in the “improvability”
of the ordinary citizen. If there are problems with the involvement of citizens,
if their participation doesn’t bring about political improvements as well as
heightened legitimacy, then the response is not to end participation, but to
further educate the citizenry. Thomas Jefferson was clear on this point: “I
know of no safe depository of the ultimate power of the society but the people
themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their
control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them,
but to inform their discretion” (Jefferson 1903, 278). If there are problems
encountered in a participatory society, the answer is not to limit participation
(the Madisonian response) but rather to further educate and to inform.