Direct vs Representative Democracy

What is direct democracy?

A type of democracy where all individuals express their opinions themselves and not through representatives acting on their behalf. 

What is representative democracy?

A type of democracy where individuals elect a person and/or political party to act as representatives on their behalf to exercise political choice.

How does direct democracy improve political representation?

In a direct democracy, citizens are given a direct say in the issues that affect them. For example, the Brexit Referendum (2016) clearly showed that the majority of citizens (51.9%) wanted to leave the European Union. 

How does representative democracy worsten political representation?

Representatives often follow party lines, neglecting their constituents. MPs can be kicked out of their party for voting against party policy. 

What is a problem with giving citizens a direct say?

People can make emotive, uninformed decisions. For example, during the Brexit campaign, people were swayed by false claims such as the “£350 million a week” figure, claiming that leaving the EU would free up money for the NHS. 

How is direct democracy fair?

All votes are counted equally, so no individual/group has more influence than another.

How can direct democracy be unfair?

Direct democracy can lead to a tyranny of the majority, where the minority’s views are disregarded and ignored in favour of the majority. The 48% who voted remain were ignored after the Brexit referendum, in favour of the 52% majority. 

How does representative democracy avoid a tyranny of the majority?

Representative democracy avoids a tyranny of the majority situation by mediating between conflicting groups and coming to a compromise, supporting minority voices.

Is direct democracy efficient?

Although a binary yes/no vote seems very effective at resolving complex issues, not all decisions can be reduced to a binary vote. For example, the Brexit referendum created more issues such as our relationship with the EU single market, customs union, and Northern Ireland.

Is representative democracy efficient?

Although representative democracy may seem inefficient, with bills constantly delayed due to the legislative process, when necessary, representatives can be quick to act, such as when the Coronavirus Act 2020 was passed in just a few days.

Does direct democracy increase participation?

While turnout from the Brexit Referendum (72%) and Scottish Independence Referendum (85%) was certainly higher than typical elections (60% in 2024), this was only due to the issues being salient, not because it was a referendum. Turnout from the AV Referendum was only 42%.