Direct democracy

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/direct-democracy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical precedent?Ancient Athenian democracy utilized direct citizen participation in assemblies
2. What is the modern manifestations?Referendums, initiatives, and plebiscites are contemporary forms of direct democracy
3. How does direct democracy differ from representative democracy?In direct democracy, people vote on each policy directly, while in representative democracy they elect officials who make the decisions.
4. Where did direct democracy start?It began in ancient Athens, where citizens met in assemblies to debate and vote on laws and foreign policy.

Electorate: The body of people entitled to vote in an election.
Policy Initiatives: Proposals for new laws or actions that are put forward for a vote by the electorate.
Referendum: A direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or law.
Plebiscites: A vote by all the people of a country or district to give their opinion for or against a particular proposal.