Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy

Similarity between Representative democracy and Direct Democracy

Both involve elections and require participation Both involve consultation

Why do National Referendums overlap Direct and Representative?

Direct - 'Yes or no' on a single question/issue Representative - Gov determines date, wording and whether to submit proposal

Why do Recall Elections overlap Direct and Representative?

Direct - 10% of registered voters in the MP's constituency must sign the "recall" petition for it to go through Representative - The Speaker of the House has to recommend the Recall petition - There is then a by-election whereby voters decide upon a new MP

Why do E-petitions overlap Direct and Representative?

Direct - on SPECIFIC government actions or for SPECIFIC issues Representative - The issue is debated in Parliament

Differences between Representative democracy and Direct Democracy

Direct is voting on an specific issue rather than on a range of issues focus on Direct is quick decision-making, focus in Representative is debate and accountability Direct voters are more actively involved, voters in representative are more passive

Overlap Methods

National Referendums Recall Elections E-petitions

Example of Direct Democracy

Referendum, Consultation and Public meetings

What is Direct Democracy?

Where all individuals express their opinion themselves and not through other individuals acting on their behalf .

What is Representative Democracy?

Where an individual selects a person (and/or a political party) to act on their behalf to exercise political choice.