Sortition

Sortition is the method of random selection, particularly in relation to the selection of decision makers.

Related Topics:
Random - Decision maker

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Today, sortition is fairly commonly used in small groups (e.g., picking a school class monitor), but only rarely in relation to public decision making positions, where methods based on election are much more common. The only widespread example of public decision making positions filled in this way are court juries.

Related Topics:
Group - Election - Juries

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However, there are historical examples (for example classical Athens and Venice) where sortition was used to select the holders of key political and administrative offices, sometimes combined with an element of qualification or election. Moreover, some contemporary thinkers advocate greater use of the method in today?s political systems.

Related Topics:
Athens - Venice - Political system

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