In which system do citizens have the direct power to vote on legislative proposals without intermediary steps?

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Prepare for UCF POT4314 Contemporary Democratic Theory Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Pass your exam with confidence!

The concept of direct democracy is characterized by citizens having the direct power to participate in decision-making processes, particularly through voting on legislative proposals without relying on representatives. In a direct democracy, the populace can directly influence laws and policies, often through mechanisms such as referendums or initiatives. This system empowers citizens and ensures that their voices are directly heard in the legislative process.

In contrast, indirect democracy, also known as representative democracy, involves citizens electing representatives who then make decisions on their behalf. Plebiscitary democracy, while involving direct votes on specific issues, still typically functions within a framework where representatives hold most legislative power. Thus, direct democracy uniquely emphasizes the direct involvement of citizens in legislative proposals, making it the correct choice.