Direct Democracy

Definition

Belief based on the right that every citizen over a certain age to attend political meetings, vote on the issue being discussed at that meeting and accepting the majority decision such as a law being passed which you as an individual did not support

Examples

Switzerland

Netherlands

Where did it emerge

Athens over 2400 years ago

How did Athenian Democracy work?

Each year 500 names were drawn from the citizens of Athens, which then had to serve as a law maker for one year

All citizens had to vote on a new law being passed (Women, children and slaves weren’t seen as people so could not vote)

Purest form of direct democracy

Who can vote in a direct democracy?

All regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical wellbeing etc.

However, in the UK, those in prison have gone against society in some way and so cannot vote while in prison. Their right to vote is reinstated once free

Does it Work?

It’s fine in theory but it doesn’t always work in practice as it needs full participation to work but some maybe don’t have time to or don’t fully understand a cause so don’t vote on it

How often is it used

Few countries use it due to the complexity surrounding it

Some states in New England, USA use it as the numbers are manageable and the culture of the town actively encourages peoples to get involved

Advantages

Gives people a chance to participate

Gives people the chance to influence politicians

It should be representative of society

It should enhance democracy in its purest form

Disadvantages

Tends to be an unrepresentative group (e.g. elderly people) that get involved

Can damage political party bonds

Majority cannot please everyone (Tyranny of the majority)

Can disadvantage minority views

Tends to oversimplify complex issues

If few participant, is it still democratic?