What is a defining characteristic of Direct Democracy?

A defining characteristic of Direct Democracy is that legal authority lies with the people, with no elected officials acting as intermediaries. In a Direct Democracy, citizens are directly involved in the decision-making process, allowing them to propose and vote on laws and policies without relying on elected representatives to act on their behalf. This model emphasizes the principle of political participation and empowerment of the populace, giving individuals direct control over legislative and governmental decisions.

In contrast to other forms of governance, such as representative democracy where elected officials create laws, Direct Democracy minimizes the role of intermediaries, fostering a sense of collective accountability and agency among the citizens. This approach often includes mechanisms like referendums and initiatives that facilitate direct voter engagement in legislative processes.