titution is documented proof that citizens want self-government and that they have the ability, through formal processes set up by institutions, to rise above self-interest (Mansfield 151).
             Similarly, Christopher Lasch seems to have the same doubts about citizens' ability to
             effectively decide on matters of importance. Through his discussions of Walter Lippman's writings, "Public Opinion" and "The Phantom Public", Lash appears to agree that the use of "self-governing" is not an effective form of Democracy (Lasch 364). Lasch goes on to further set forth that the old ideas of citizenship are out-dated and that, in fact, citizens can no longer be viewed as &q
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