Question
A state where decisions are voted on directly by citizens
Answers
GPT-5 mini
That is called direct democracy (or pure democracy): a system in which citizens vote directly on laws, policies, or key decisions rather than delegating that power to elected representatives.
Key mechanisms
- Referendum: voters approve or reject laws or constitutional changes.
- Initiative: citizens propose laws or amendments that go to a vote after collecting enough signatures.
- Recall: voters remove an elected official before the end of their term.
- Town meetings: local direct decision‑making (common in New England).
Examples and notes
- Ancient Athens is the classic historical example.
- Modern examples are rare in pure form; Switzerland and some U.S. states (e.g., California) use extensive referendums and initiatives — often called semi‑direct or hybrid democracy.
- Advantages: greater citizen participation and legitimacy, direct accountability.
- Drawbacks: risk of majoritarianism, complexity of decisions for lay voters, influence of money/media campaigns.
If you want, I can give examples of countries that use these instruments, or compare direct vs. representative democracy in more detail.
Key mechanisms
- Referendum: voters approve or reject laws or constitutional changes.
- Initiative: citizens propose laws or amendments that go to a vote after collecting enough signatures.
- Recall: voters remove an elected official before the end of their term.
- Town meetings: local direct decision‑making (common in New England).
Examples and notes
- Ancient Athens is the classic historical example.
- Modern examples are rare in pure form; Switzerland and some U.S. states (e.g., California) use extensive referendums and initiatives — often called semi‑direct or hybrid democracy.
- Advantages: greater citizen participation and legitimacy, direct accountability.
- Drawbacks: risk of majoritarianism, complexity of decisions for lay voters, influence of money/media campaigns.
If you want, I can give examples of countries that use these instruments, or compare direct vs. representative democracy in more detail.