This statement highlights the crucial interdependence between deliberative and participatory democracy, asserting that neither can fully achieve its potential without the other. Both concepts aim to deepen democratic practice beyond mere electoral representation, but they emphasize different aspects.

Deliberative democracy focuses on the quality of public discourse and decision-making. It posits that legitimate political decisions arise from reasoned discussion, argumentation, and mutual understanding among citizens and their representatives. The emphasis is on citizens engaging in a process of weighing arguments, considering different perspectives, and striving for consensus or mutually acceptable outcomes, rather than simply aggregating pre-existing preferences. Its 'salience' – its importance and effectiveness in producing legitimate and rational decisions – is severely diminished without participation. If only a select few engage in deliberation, the process lacks broad input, diverse perspectives, and democratic legitimacy. Decisions made by a small, unrepresentative group, no matter how reasoned, may not reflect the true interests or values of the wider populace and can be perceived as elitist or exclusionary.

Conversely, participatory democracy emphasizes the direct involvement of citizens in political processes, beyond just voting. It seeks to empower citizens by providing opportunities for direct decision-making, community organizing, and active engagement in shaping public policy. Its 'credence' – its trustworthiness and ability to produce sound, well-considered outcomes – is compromised without deliberations. Unfettered participation without a commitment to reasoned discussion can lead to decisions based on raw power, emotional appeals, narrow self-interest, or the tyranny of the majority. Without deliberation, participatory processes risk becoming mere aggregations of unexamined preferences, potentially leading to fragmented, uninformed, or even irrational outcomes. Deliberation provides the necessary intellectual and ethical framework for participation to be meaningful, ensuring that decisions are not only inclusive but also well-reasoned and publicly justifiable.

Therefore, the statement accurately captures the symbiotic relationship: participation provides the democratic breadth and legitimacy that deliberation needs, while deliberation provides the intellectual depth and quality that participation requires. A robust democracy ideally integrates both, fostering active citizen engagement within a framework of reasoned public discourse.