Direct Democracy

Direct Democracy is a type of democracy whereby the people decide how the country is governed. Whilst it is not commonplace to have this type of democracy in western democracies, there are elements of direct democracy that are employed in US States.

When writing the US Constitution the framers were worried about the tyranny of the majority, which is why they enshrined the processes of indirect elections and separation of powers. They did not want the will of the general populace being put into laws. However, despite this belief, elements of direct democracy have appeared in US States.

Types of Direct Democracy in the US

• Recall elections – As these are called for through the use of petitions distributed through the population, it is included in direct democracy. Under recall elections an elected official is forced to face election earlier than they otherwise would have done. This tends to be enforced, when the population believe the ability of the elected official is in question.
• Initiatives – A process, again, through petitions that the population can implement laws at a state level without going through the state legislature. Notable examples have included the banning and legalisation of same-sex marriage and the recreational use of cannabis. Not all states allow the process of initiatives to happen
• State Referendums – Referendums can be called for by the state legislature and asks the population to vote on a piece of legislation. It is often called for when the state legislature cannot agree, or where the legislation concerned is an issue that it would be inappropriate for politicians to vote exclusively one. This procedure is available in only twenty-four states.

There is almost no form of direct democracy at a federal level.