For and against direct democracy

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For and against direct democracy

Advantages

  • Genuine democracy - it is the purest form of democracy, acting on the 'general will of the people'.
  • Political education - educates citizens, creating a better-informed electorate. People are more interested in politics and better understand their society.
  • End of professional politics - removes self-serving career politicians, who act only in the name of the people.
  • Legitimate government - citizens are more likely to accept decisions they have made themselves.

Disadvantages

  • Not practicable on a huge scale - the only example of functioning DD is in ancient Athens, and even then, this was only a small proportion of educated white men.
  • Political passion - education may cause people to be too passionate about politics, leading to conflict.
  • Need for diplomats - we need professional politicians to carry out day-to-day political decisions, and advanced decisions that are the beyond the comprehension of the average citizen.
  • Majoritarianism - the minority will be marginalised, which could lead to conflict and other issues.

Evaluation

Direct democracy is practicable only on a small scale, better used in local governments rather than Westminster. However, introducing some elements of DD, such as referendums, can help legitimacy on constitutional changes and can increase political education.

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