ABSTRACT
This chapter considers two concepts that may be counted among the basic regulative principles of democracy, and especially democratic government in states, in modern thought. The idea of publicity, and the more recent, related norm of transparency, require openness in all governmental proceedings to allow for public scrutiny of official acts and ultimate accountability. The principle of reversibility, building on the point that officeholders and governments may be replaced through elections, holds that all laws and policies enacted by a legislature are subject to amendment or repeal in a future session. Democratic decision-makers cannot permanently bind their successors. Although these principles are important and defensible, they encounter many complications and exceptions in practice.
