Direct Democracy and Referendums

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to direct democracy and referendums as discussed in the lecture.

What does direct democracy mean?

Direct democracy means that the people make the decisions themselves, rather than their representatives.

Where did direct democracy originate?

Direct democracy originated in ancient Athens.

What is a key feature of how Switzerland is governed?

Direct democracy plays a major part in the way Switzerland is governed.

What can citizens in Switzerland do regarding laws?

Citizens can make decisions on a variety of issues and call for referendums on laws passed by the Swiss Parliament.

What is a referendum?

A referendum is a popular vote where the people are asked to decide an important political issue directly.