sentences:  It usually involves "notification" (to publicise the matter to be consulted on), "consultation" (a two-way flow of information and opinion exchange) as well as "participation" (involving interest groups in the drafting of policy or legislation).A frequently used tool for understanding different levels of community participation in consultation is known as Arnstein's ladder, although some academics contest that Arnstein's ladder is contextually specific and was not intended to be a universal tool.The process is typical of Commonwealth countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia, though most democratic countries have similar systems.