The quality of local democracy: an institutional analysis

Much of the literature on quality democracy is case study-oriented and focused nation states. Theoretical work and, in particular, comparative empirical research local are less advanced. This paper contributes to our understanding how works from below. It develops a conceptual framing employs multidimensional index across all 278 municipalities mainland Portugal by focusing procedural dimensions democratic performance at three levels legitimacy: input, throughput, output. Regression analysis then used as preliminary test usefulness these measures uncover associations between them range political socioeconomic factors. The results suggest that led independent mayors, with larger populations higher multiculturalism likelier be associated ‘better’ democracy.