Direct Democracy
A body of people convened to render an impartial verdict or to set a penalty or judgment
Real World Example
During The Golden Age of Athens, direct democracy was a system where citizens voted directly on laws and important decisions, rather than having representatives make those choices. This system responded to the desire for more inclusive and fair governance, allowing ordinary citizens to have a voice in political decisions. It was important because it empowered people and promoted civic participation, which were revolutionary ideas at the time. Today, direct democracy matters because it encourages active citizen involvement and accountability in government, seen in practices like referendums or local town hall meetings. For example, when a community votes directly on a local school budget, it affects the quality of education, demonstrating how direct democracy can impact everyday life and community well-being.