Direct Democracy Definition Us History

Examples of direct democracy.

Direct democracy definition us history. History and theoretical context. This differs from the majority of currently established democracies which are representative democracies the theory and practice of direct democracy and participation as its common characteristic was the core of work of many theorists philosophers politicians and social critics. Direct democracy is also often called pure democracy and involves having the citizens as individuals vote on issues instead of elected representatives. The most important historical reference of direct democracy is to assembly democracy in ancient greek city states particularly athens where decisions were taken by people s assemblies of some 1 000 male citizens later people s assemblies were used in many swiss cantons and towns as well as in town meetings in some american colonies and states.

Representative democracy is however more common worldwide. Ancient athens is an example of direct democracy where the people themselves voted on major matters. Athens and switzerland. Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.