Direct Democracy

• Advantages of Direct Democracy

  • Purest form of democracy; people's voices are clearly heard.
  • Can avoid delay and deadlock within the political system.
  • The fact that people are making a decision gives it popular and democratic legitimacy.
• Disadvantages of Direct Democracy

  • Can lead to 'tyranny of the majority'; elected representatives can mediate between majority and minority; for example, Scottish voters voted overwhelmingly against Brexit but were taken out of the EU by English voters.
  • People can be easily manipulated and swayed by emotions; influence of media and populist rhetoric of politicians; example of £250 million for the NHS.
  • Some issues may be too complex for voters to understand; representatives have teams of experts to assist them.