Web definitions
Direct democracy, classically termed pure democracy, is a form of democracy and a theory of civics in which sovereignty is lodged in the assembly of all citizens who choose to participate. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_democracy
The history of direct democracy amongst non-indigenous peoples in the United States dates from the 1630s in the New England Colonies. Some New England town meetings still carry on that tradition.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Democracy_(history_in_US)
System or process that depends on the voice of the people (and not representatives), usually through referendums or initiatives, to make public policy decisions.
ThisNation.com--Glossary
A form of democracy in which political power is exercised by the citizens without representatives acting of their behalf.
Glossary
Literally rule of the people; as interpreted in Athens, all decisions emanated from popular assembly without intermediation of elected representatives. (p. 130)
occawlonline.pearsoned.com/bookbind/pubbooks/stearns_awl/m…
A system in which people in a political community come together in a forum to make policy decisions themselves, with no intervening institution or officials.
American Politics | Democracy and Citizenship » Glossary
The involvement of electors directly in policy making without the need for representative legislators. This has advantages such as involving the people directly in the issues of interest to them and which directly impacts them. ...
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