DP2 direct democracy

Question 1

what is direct democracy?

Answer 1

the people make decisions for themselves. purest form of democracy where there is no government.

Question 2

direct democracy (advantages)


Answer 2

people directly make decisions in their interests
all citizens voices are equal
its the purest form of democracy

Question 3

direct democracy (disadvantages)


Answer 3

citizens become apathetic if they are asked to participate too often
people will vote in their own interest, not society’s
no minority voices can be heard, resulting in tyranny of the majority.

Question 4

what is a common form of direct democracy?


Answer 4

citizens directly vote on issues and the government creates policy based on the response. e.g the uk eu referendum 2016, 33 million UK citizens voted on whether to remain a member of the EU or leave, 51.89% voted to leave.

Question 5

how are online petitions a form of direct democracy?


Answer 5

uk parliament has set up a platform for citizens to make and sign online petitions. if a petition gains over 100,000 signatures then parliament may debate the topic, but a topic must be sponsored by the ‘Backbench Business Committee’ so it is not an entirely direct democracy.