From The Economist:
Research suggests that the changes in the values and norms of the public, a shift in the style of interest-group politics and the norms of media reporting have contributed to a secular shift towards a more assertive and skeptical public. The deferential citizen is becoming an endangered species, which is a benefit to democracy. … [Russell Dalton is a political science professor at UC Irvine.]

For the full story, please visit http://www.economist.com/news/letters/21635968-letters-editor.