This book studies the extent to which citizens control government. The chapters discuss what guides voters at election time. why governments survive, and how institutions modify the power of the people over politicians. The questions addressed include whether ideology or ethnic identity undermine the capacity of voters to assess the performance of incumbent politicians; how much information voters must have to select a politician for office or to hold It government accountable; whether parties in power can help voters to control their governments; how different institutional arrangements influence voters' control: why politicians choose particular electoral systems; and what economic and social conditions may undermine not only governments but also democracy. The book combines analytical rigor with comparative analysis. Arguments are backed by vast macro- and micro-empirtcal evidence. There are cross- country comparisons and survey analyses of many countries. In every case, there has boon an attempt to integrate analytical arguments and empirical research. Tho goal is to shed new light on perplexing questions of positive democratic theory.