Town Meeting
A form democracy in which the people come together to legislate policy
Real World Example
In the English Colonies from 1600 to 1800, town meetings were gatherings where local colonists came together to discuss and make decisions on community policies and issues. This form of direct democracy was important because it allowed settlers to have a say in their governance, responding to the colonists' desire for self-rule and participation in decision-making. Town meetings addressed local problems like road maintenance, school funding, and public safety, which were crucial for the survival and development of the colonies. Today, town meetings still matter as they allow community members to voice their opinions and influence local government decisions. For example, if a town wants to build a new park, residents can attend a town meeting to express their views and vote on the proposal, directly affecting their community's environment and quality of life.