How does a direct democracy work?

Direct democracy is where each and every person eligible to vote in a given jurisdiction may vote on every piece of legislation proposed. There are no councils or representatives or any other intermediary between the people and the legislation. read more

A few states have provisions in their state constitutions for the people to vote directly on changes to the state constitution, and to initiate legislation outside the state legislature. California is one. However, all states must have a legislature as well, so this form of direct democracy does not replace the legislature. read more

Direct democracy is the opposite of the more common"representative democracy," under which the people elect representatives who are empowered to create laws and policies for them. Ideally, the laws and policies enacted by the elected representatives should closely reflect the will of the majority of the people. read more