Direct democracy

John G. Matsusaka

Chapter 33 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Public Choice, 2025, pp 228-234 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Direct democracy is any political process by which ordinary citizens make laws directly, without the involvement of elected officials. In practice, the laws are made by voting on ballot propositions, otherwise known as ballot measures, referendums, or plebiscites. Direct democracy has a long history, going back at least to classical Athens and the Roman Republic, and is currently used in most countries around the world. This chapter discusses evidence on how direct democracy affects democratic performance and identifies key controversies regarding the process.

Keywords: Direct democracy; Initiatives; Referendums; Ballot propositions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802207743
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