Consensus Artifact [Anglais] [Broché]

This book is a compelling read for people of all ages and backgrounds. It includes section-by-section explanations of the key building blocks of constitutions for easy understanding and conceptualizing of political, legal, economic and social issues.

The book uses a series of hypothetical interviews with fictional people to show why direct citizen involvement in the constitution-making process is important for meaningful democracy. It shows how ordinary people can gain access to social justice, human rights protection, freedom from conflict and fair trade, along with innovative ideas for reforming outdated and dysfunctional national constitutions.

The book contains a Universal Constitution (a constitutional template), that can be used by constitution-builders and reformers. It also gives a concise explanation of major political issues such as:

* Political governance processes including citizen initiated referendums that allow ordinary people to propose constitutional and legislative changes or overturn unfair legislation and policies.

* How military conflicts can be avoided or their incidence reduced.

* Non-violent activism, public participation and civic engagement processes that give citizens a greater voice in public decision-making and legal processes.

* Review and audit procedures for parliament and requirements for evidence-based legislation and policy.

* How monetary systems operate and how they create mounting debt and poverty.

* How to create a fair taxation and public revenue system.

* Creating growth and prosperity based on sustainability principles.

* How to guarantee the separation of Church and State.

* How to limit corporate power and still retain a vibrant market.

* Developing fairer electoral systems.

* Creating a Bill of Responsibilities that protects human rights.

The book includes a useful glossary of political and legal terms, with a reference list of influential political books by significant authors.

The Consensus Artifact provides a lively, entertaining and easy-to-understand introduction to constitutions, political governance, participatory democracy, alternative economics, republics and global justice. It was recently cited in: The World Public Sector Report (WPSR) 2007, People Matter: Civic Engagement in Public Governance, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) - New York

No previous political or legal knowledge is necessary to enjoy this book. Using hypothetical situations, Rodger Hills discusses and questions much of the established thinking about the way a modern nation should be run.

Hills shows how it is, that political leaders come and go, but the problems they were elected to fix remain. How the rich and powerful, manuipulate the world to their benefit. He explains and promotes ethical principles of political governance like social justice, sustainability, human rights protection, participatory democracy, alternative monetary systems, limits on corporate power and evidence-based legislation and government policy.

He calls attention to what has failed in today's society. More importantly, he sets out clearly how these problems can be solved.