Direct democracy
Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 10 "Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance"; Class 7, Ch 9 "From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments"; Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"; Class 11, Ch 1 "Constitution: Why and How?"; Class 11, Ch 3 "Election and Representation"
Meaning
Direct democracy is a system in which citizens take decisions themselves instead of electing representatives to decide for them. It is hard to run in big countries. It takes time and expertise, and the majority may override minorities. Modern states use devices such as referendum, initiative and recall instead.
Example
In ancient Athens, the assembly was open only to adult male citizens. Women, slaves and foreigners were left out. In India, the Constitution has no referendum or recall for MPs and MLAs. The gram sabha (Arts. 243(b), 243A), the meeting of all voters in a village, is India's closest form of direct democracy.
Don't confuse with
- Semi-direct democracy: Switzerland is an example. It has an elected Federal Assembly but also uses referendums and initiatives. It still holds open-air Landsgemeinde meetings in Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus.