Ambiguous political rhetoric presents a significant puzzle in democratic systems.
This paper investigates how intentionally vague language affects accountability mechanisms.
Key arguments include:
• Ambiguity creates interpretive challenges during legislative oversight.
• Vague statements constrain institutional responses to constituent concerns.
• Democratic accountability requires precise communication from representatives.
The findings suggest that ambiguous rhetoric may expand the scope of acceptable political discourse, potentially reducing pressure on elected officials and affecting democratic responsiveness. These results have implications for understanding contemporary debates about representation in pluralistic societies.
| Ambiguous Rhetoric and Legislative Accountability was authored by Elizabeth Simas, Kerri Milita and John Barry Ryan. It was published by Chicago in JOP in 2021. |
