Federal Policy Development in the United Arab Emirates - Literature review Example

Experts in administrative law affirm that democratic governance can only be realized through citizen participation in policymaking (Briggs, 2008). The participation of citizens in the government is an essential element of democratic citizenship as well as democratic decision-making. Some of the significant benefits realized through citizen participation include; civic skills, increased knowledge issues, engagement of the public, and contribution to decisions’ support across all the participants (Hummel, 2008).

Scholars in administrative law together with governmental reformers strongly argue that with the information technology advancement, citizen participation in rulemaking will be expanded greatly. For instance, the advent of the ever-increasing technological innovations including the use of social network media provides a platform through which ordinary citizens are empowered to vastly participate in policymaking; technology has an impact on transforming the previously insulated process (Hummel, 2008).

Citizen participation in this essence can be defined as a deliberative process through which the government, interested citizens, and civil society organizations are involved in policymaking prior to making any political decision. It is a thoughtful discussion that is hinged on giving and taking of reasons for choices. Citizen participation acknowledges the pluralism of objectives and values, which allows collaborative problem solving that, is focused on achieving policies that are legitimate (Briggs, 2008).

Similarly, citizen participation is the highest order of public engagement whereby there is a massive exchange of information between the sponsors of the participation process and the participants. It is also referred to as a political principle, which might also be recognized as a public right. Citizen participation always seeks and facilitates the engagement of those interested or are potentially affected by political decisions. In this regard and according to the principles of citizen participation, people who are affected by the decision have a right to be involved in the process of policy-making.

For this reason, it is implied that the contribution of the public has a massive influence on policy decisions (Hummel, 2008).