Parliamentarism and Encyclopaedism - Parliamentary Democracy in an Age of Fragmentation

This book explores a specific aspect of modern parliamentarism: its ability to produce and organise political knowledge. The book argues that the very meaning of modern parliamentarism cannot properly be understood without considering the cognitive value which is inherent in the representative function discharged by parliaments, vis-a-vis the political community. It does so by studying the ''encyclopaedic patterns'' underlying modern parliamentarism. Exploring the concept from ancient times to modernity, it addresses the fundamental question of the relationship between knowledge and democratic decision-making. This is a truly innovative book; challenging, provocative and asking crucial questions of how parliaments work and legislate.

About the author

Giovanni Rizzoni is Head of the Research Service of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. He teaches Comparative Public Law at the Department of Political Sciences of the LUISS University of Rome, Italy.

Product details

• Authors: Giovanni Rizzoni
• Publisher: Hart Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 14.08.2025
• EAN: 9781509964000
• ISBN: 978-1-5099-6400-0
• No. of pages: 192
• Dimensions: 166 mm x 242 mm x 12 mm
• Series: Parliamentary Democracy in Europe
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Law > Public law, administrative procedural law, constitutional procedural law; LAW / Constitutional, Political structures: democracy, EU (European Union), Constitutional & administrative law, Constitutional and administrative law: general, Parliamentary and legislative practice, Parliamentary & Legislative Practice, Political structures / systems: democracy