What is direct democracy?(1)
Answers
Answer:
Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly. This differs from the majority of currently established democracies, which are representative democracies.
Answer:
❖ Direct Democracy is a type of democracy in which the people are directly participated in the affairs of the government.
❖ It is first prevailed in the city states (polis) of ancient Greece.
❖ It was possible in city states because of its small size.
❖ Direct Democracy is not possible in modern states because of its big size and population, except Switzerland.
❖ Direct Democracy operates through four instruments: Referendum, Plebiscite, Initiative and Recall.
Referendum: It is a procedure whereby a proposed legislation is referred to the electorate for settlement by their direct votes.
Plebiscite: It is a type of vote by which the people of an entire county or district express an opinion for or against a proposal, especially on a choice of government or ruler.
Initiative: It is a method by means of which the people can propose a bill to the legislature for enactment.
Recall: It is a method in which the voters can withdraw a representative or an officer before the expiry of his/her term, when he/she fails to discharge his/her duties properly.
The merits of Direct Democracy are:
❖ It enables the people to gain experience of administration and the government.
❖ It makes the government responsible.
❖ It creates a sense of responsibility and patriotism among people.
❖ It enhances political consciousness of people.
❖ It keeps voters in touch with the government.
The demerits of Direct Democracy are:
❖ It is not possible for large states.
❖ It misleads the people because opportunists take advantage of it.
❖ All the people are not suitable to give their opinion under this system. They simply say 'Yes' or 'No'.
❖ It cannot take secret decisions on war and emergencies.
❖ It requires a high sense of responsibility, which the people lack.