direct democracy

noun

plural direct democracies

: democracy in which the power is exercised directly by the people rather than through representatives : a form of government in which the people vote directly against or in favor of decisions, policies, laws, etc.

First, the United States is not a direct democracy and, as such, citizens do not make decisions themselves, [Professor Harry] Wilson writes. Instead, the power to make laws lies in the hands of their elected representatives in Congress.

—Matt Williams

also : a country, state, or territory whose form of government is direct democracy compare representative democracy

Examples of direct democracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dispersing authority and enshrining accountability over government decisions through direct democracy are far more responsible for the success of Swiss democracy. — Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

In the August primary, Kehoe sought to eliminate the income tax and curtail the state’s most visible form of direct democracy. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

Coloradans are increasingly being asked to participate in direct democracy. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026

Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, voters typically cast ballots four times a year to help determine government policy. — Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for direct democracy

• aristocracy
• meritocracy
• autocracy
• bureaucracy
• hypocrisy
• plutocracy
• theocracy