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.

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Example Sentences

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

More to the point, not every state has direct democracy of the kind that has propelled ballot measures to date.

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2024

“All Nevadans have a right to participate in direct democracy, but they need to observe the laws that require properly informing the voters of a proposal.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

This time they said enough was enough, using the power that Switzerland's system of direct democracy gives them to vote themselves an extra month's pension each year.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2024

Is not that a reductio ad absurdum for this system of pure and direct democracy?

From Ethics in Service by Taft, William H.