Democratic Agency
Efficacy ↔ Disempowerment
Democratic Agency captures whether citizens believe they have the power to shape political outcomes through collective action. Without this belief, democracy hollows out from within: institutions remain formally intact while the participatory culture that gives them life evaporates. When agency language disappears from public discourse, citizens become audiences watching politics happen to them rather than participants making it happen.
The 5 Indicators
Each indicator is scored 0–4. Click to expand for detailed scoring guidance and examples.
Political Efficacy
Does it express belief that citizens can influence political outcomes?
Mobilisation Framing
Does it call citizens to take specific, concrete civic action?
Collective Action
Does it frame change as a collective 'we' project rather than individual?
Rights Consciousness
Does it assert citizens' rights and entitlement to civic influence?
Democratic Optimism
Does it maintain faith in democratic processes over authoritarian shortcuts?