Democracy and Participation

Very general description of various political systems that are organised on the basis that government should serve the interests of the people. Liberal democracy = citizens influence decisions or make them themselves.

A popular vote where the people are asked to determine an important political or constitutional issue directly. Referendums always have either a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Otherwise the result would be indecisive.

Most direct form of democracy, helps make decisions legitimate.
If the people have demonstrated their expressed consent they are more likely to accept the decision.
Can prevent governments from making unpopular decisions when a 'no' vote is delivered.

Can be argued against direct democracy of this kind because people will not respect the decisions they make themselves.
Many issues may be simply to complex for the majority of the people to understand and make a judgement on.
Referendum campaigns are expensive operations. There is therefore a danger that one side will prevail simply because it has more resources.

The political idea is that people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf rather than making those decisions themselves.