What is a key difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

A key difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy lies in how citizens participate in the decision-making process. In a direct democracy, citizens have the opportunity to vote directly on laws and policies themselves, allowing for immediate citizen involvement in governance. This system enables individuals to directly express their preferences on specific issues, creating a more participatory political environment.

In contrast, a representative democracy operates differently by having citizens elect representatives who then make decisions and enact policies on behalf of the electorate. This approach is designed to handle the complexities of government and allow elected officials to consider the long-term implications of their decisions, likely corresponding to the interests and needs of their constituents.

Understanding this fundamental distinction is essential, as it highlights the varying degrees of citizen engagement in different democratic systems. The other choices presented mischaracterize the structures and operations of the two systems. For instance, the claim that a direct democracy is limited to state issues or that representatives have more power than officials in a direct democracy does not accurately capture the essence of each system's mechanics and authority.