Copub.: Johns Hopkins University Press. Brazil has conducted some of the world's most stunning experiments in participatory democracy, most notably the creation of city budgets through local citizens' meetings. Leonardo Avritzer introduces a fresh analytical approach, highlighting civic participation's most effective means and expanding the empirical base for assessing state institutions. By examining participatory health councils and city master plans within a diverse group of major cities, this book expands the geographical scope of formerly Porto Alegre centered literature. Order this book from The Johns Hopkins University Press here.