Which of the following best describes the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
The best description of the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy is that direct democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision-making by voting on laws and policies, while representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives who make decisions on their behalf in government.
Direct democracy and representative democracy are two different systems of governance. The main difference between the two lies in the way the decision-making process takes place.
1. Direct Democracy: In a direct democracy, all citizens have the opportunity to directly participate in decision-making. This means that citizens can vote on proposed laws or issues themselves, without relying on elected representatives. Direct democracy functions on the principle that the people can govern themselves and have a direct say in all matters.
2. Representative Democracy: In a representative democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives, also known as legislators or politicians, are chosen through a voting system. They are responsible for representing the interests and needs of the citizens and making decisions on their behalf. Representative democracies emphasize the importance of informed and accountable decision-making by people who have the time, resources, and inclination to study the issues in depth.
In summary, direct democracy allows citizens to directly participate in decision-making, while representative democracy relies on elected representatives to make decisions on behalf of the citizens.