direct democracy and referendums

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens directly control decision-making in politics.

Descriptive Representation

A concept where representatives mirror the demographic characteristics of their constituents.

Substantive Representation

A concept where representatives advocate for the interests and issues of their constituents.

Recall Election

A procedure that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

E-Petition

An online petition process that lets citizens engage with their government, often requiring a certain number of signatures for a response.

Mandatory Referendum

A referendum that is required by law, often to approve constitutional changes.

Optional Referendum

A referendum that is not legally required, and may be called at the discretion of political leaders.

Abrogative Referendum

A referendum that allows voters to reject a recently passed law.

Binding Referendum

A referendum where the results must be enacted by the government.

Advisory Referendum

A non-binding referendum where the government is not required to implement the outcome.

Double Majority

A requirement for a majority of both voters and geographical areas, used in some referendums to ensure broader support.

Citizen Initiative

A process where citizens can propose legislation or constitutional amendments through a petition.

Political Institutions Initiative

A process where political institutions or legislators propose referendum topics.

Citizen's Assembly

A deliberative body formed by average citizens to discuss and formulate policy recommendations.

Post-Materialism

A political theory suggesting that as societies become more affluent, their citizens prioritize quality of life issues over basic economic needs.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law.

Legitimacy of Direct Democracy

The acceptance and justification of decisions made through direct democracy mechanisms, such as referendums.

Electoral Accountability

The idea that elected officials should be held accountable to voters for their actions and decisions.

Voter Fatigue

A reduction in voter turnout caused by frequent elections or referendums, leading to disengagement.

Civic Engagement

The willingness of citizens to participate in their government and community life, including voting and activism.

Political Dissatisfaction

A sentiment among citizens that their political representatives are unresponsive or unrepresentative of their interests.

Minority Exclusion

The risk that referendum outcomes may not protect the rights or interests of minority groups.