Democratic Governments and Direct Democracy

Democratic Governments

• Even the worst authoritarian regimes often claim to be democracies, highlighting democracy's universal acceptance as the ideal form of government.

Direct Democracy

• Direct, or participatory, democracy is the most basic form of democracy.
• Citizens participate in decision-making by voting on laws and crafting state policies.
• Easiest to practice in small, geographically compact communities where all citizens can gather in one place.
• Common in ancient Greek city-states, where democracy first flowered.
• Less common now but exists in the small nation of Switzerland, where citizens vote directly on national and local issues.
• Some small towns in New England still have community meetings to decide important issues.
• About half of all US states allow for ballot initiatives and referenda, in which ordinary citizens vote directly on proposed laws.
• Less practical in very large countries and in the modern world because of:
  • Complicated issues.
  • People often do not have the time or expertise to play a role in making every public policy.