Direct Democracy
Definition
A form of government where citizens vote directly on laws and policies.
Analogy
Think of direct democracy like a class project where every student gets to vote on each decision, from the topic to the final presentation style. Everyone has an equal say in every single detail.
Related terms
Initiative: A process that allows citizens to propose or initiate a statute or constitutional amendment.
Referendum: A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.
Recall Election: A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote before their term has ended.
"Direct Democracy" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (11)
What is the main characteristic of a direct democracy?
What feature distinguishes a direct democracy from a representative democracy?
What is the major difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
What is the primary characteristic of a direct democracy?
What best defines a direct democracy?
How does direct democracy impact policy decisions in government?
Which of these key concepts are more closely linked with direct democracy than representative democracy?
What is a significant difference between direct and indirect democracy in relation to citizen involvement?
What might have been a significant result in the United States' political landscape if the country had initially adopted a direct democracy instead of a representative democracy?
Which principle distinguishes direct democracy from a representative republic in the United States?
Which amendment can be linked to a significant check on judiciary by fostering direct democracy?
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