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

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

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

But I ask you, as a former Florida man: Don’t Floridians prize their ability to participate in direct democracy?

From Slate • Oct. 18, 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.