pure democracy

American  

noun

1. a form of democracy in which the laws and policies are made directly by the citizens rather than by representatives.

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Etymology

Origin of pure democracy

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

They were nonetheless nervous about the risks inherent in pure democracy, particularly the historical phenomenon of the demagogue who manipulated the passions of an ill-informed majority to make himself a monarch beyond the control of law.

From Slate

And it gives minorities a very special power in the process because their votes, which might otherwise not count much in a pure democracy, now because of this convoluted and difficult system, they have a voice,” he said.

From Washington Times

“Your country is a kingdom. There has been no pure democracy in the history of Saudi Arabia. When could you ever criticize the administration? How often could you express your opinion in the past, to declare that today you do not have the same liberties?”

From The New Yorker

I agree with the thought that there’s no pure democracy.

From Slate

Algernon Sidney, an English republican beheaded for expressing treasonous views in 1683, denied being a proponent of pure democracy.

From The Guardian