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Showing results for direct democracy. Search instead for Indirect+Democracy.

direct democracy

American  
[di-rekt di-mah-kruh-see, dahy-rekt] / dɪˈrɛkt dɪˈmɑ krə si, daɪˈrɛkt /

noun

  1. government with direct rule by the people, without the involvement of elected representatives.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The assumption then was Congress would fix this, or the state legislatures would fix this, or initiatives in the states that have direct democracy would fix this.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

California’s direct democracy originated during the early 20th century’s Progressive Era to allow citizens to bypass the Legislature and enact reforms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

But the article telling the Swiss how to vote came across to many as blatant interference in their widely respected system of direct democracy, and has caused real anger.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

There can be issues with direct democracy, as Sean Morales-Doyle of the Brennan Center for Justice pointed out.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

The absence of settled public law and the influence of direct democracy made a complete ministry of finance impossible.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3 "Fenton, Edward" to "Finistere" by Various

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