A modern classica that integrates Dahl's thining as it developed over the course of his academic career and marking a significant contribution to theories about democracy. Dahl argues that democracy is the most desirable politcal system—despite its imperfections. he offers an interpretation of democratic theory and practice that is relevant to the modern world and that pays specail attention to the problems highlighted by people who criticise it. By rigorously testing basic assumptions about what democracy is against the challenges posed by critics, the work recasts our future understanding of democracy and outlines the future directions Dahl believes it should take.