via Harvard SEAS
Algorithm ensures fairer selection of citizens’ assemblies
Democracy in ancient Athens looked quite different from democracies today. Instead of elections, most offices — including those in the legislature, governing councils, and magistrates — were filled by citizen volunteers, selected by random lottery. These citizens’ assemblies drafted, debated, and passed laws; made major foreign policy decisions; and controlled military budgets.
Today, citizens’ assemblies are making a comeback. In 2019 and 2020, citizens’ assemblies in France and the UK convened to draft measures to address climate change. Citizens’ assemblies in Ireland have led to changes to the Irish constitution which legalized abortion and same-sex marriage.
One of the biggest challenges in organizing these assemblies — both in ancient times and today — is deciding who should serve. The assembly needs to be representative of the population as a whole. But selection should be random — ideally, with all volunteers having an equal chance of being chosen.
To balance those two goals, the ancient Athenians used a rudimentary machine called a kleroterion, which randomly selected panels of volunteers from different tribes. Now, a team of computer scientists has devised a 21st century solution.
Now, a team of computer scientists from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Carnegie Mellon University, in collaboration with a practitioner from the Sortition Foundation, have designed an assembly selection process that satisfies representation and fairness simultaneously.
This paper was published in Nature.
“Ideally, a citizens’ assembly acts as a microcosm of society,” said Ariel Procaccia, Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science at SEAS and co-author of the study. “Whether this goal is realized in practice, however, depends on exactly how assembly members are chosen.”
Original Article: Can AI make democracy fairer?
More from: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Carnegie Mellon University
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Fairer democracy
- Taking to skies for democracy, says EC as poll parties get airdropped in Jharkhand's Maoist turf
"In order to conduct free and fair polls, we are live tracking EVMs and polling parties ... "Taking to the skies for democracy: Polling teams winging it to Jharkhand's remote corners. Ensuring Each ...
- Democracy watchdog says it's 'unethical' for N.L. to not have a cap on corporate donations
The director of a democracy watchdog says Newfoundland and Labrador's lack of a cap on political donations from corporations and unions is undemocratic — and sends a message that elections are up for ...
- US Ambassador Garcetti: India a 'Shining Example' of Democracy
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, strongly believes in India's democracy and trusts the US-India relationship. He acknowledges some concerns but believes India addresses them. Garcetti highlights ...
- US Ambassador Garcetti: India's democracy strong, resilient
The Biden administrations top diplomat in New Delhi on Thursday dismissed concerns being raised in certain quarters about democracy in India and observed that in many ways Indians are better that the ...
- Stop undermining democracy, governor! Let us vote on the Taxpayer Protection Act.
The governor and his Democratic allies should not be fighting their constituents and depriving them of their constitutional right to vote in November.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Fairer democracy
[google_news title=”” keyword=”fairer democracy” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Citizens’ assemblies
- Rivers federal lawmakers unite against Fubara’s plan to renovate Assembly quarters
Federal lawmakers and former Speakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly have united against the proposed renovation of Rivers State House of Assembly quarters by the state government. In a display ...
- With 2024 General Assembly session in rearview mirror, lawmakers set to begin preparation for 2025
By Tom Latek Kentucky Today The 2024 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly wrapped up a month ago and lawmakers will soon begin their preparations for the 2025 session, which will get ...
- NC's Srinagar Candidate Ruhullah's Plan for Restoring Article 370: Empowering Citizens and Preserving Identity
The NC leader, a three-time former MLA from Budgam assembly segment, is the party's candidate from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency which has been represented by three generations of the Abdullahs.
- India's Big Blow to Israel? Why India Voted in Palestine's Favour at UN General Assembly | Watch
India's U.N. vote supports Palestine's full membership, drawing fire from Israel. UAE introduces the resolution at UNGA, with 143 votes in favor. Palestine gains the right to speak and participate in ...
- Assembly panel moves public records bill in near-unanimous vote despite ‘grave concern’
Critics have assailed the bill as an assault on transparency. Officials say a change is needed to cut costs for local government. The post Assembly panel moves public records bill in near-unanimous ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Citizens’ assemblies
[google_news title=”” keyword=”citizens’ assemblies” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]