What is the merits and demerits of direct democracy?
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Mar 26
Merits of direct democracy:
1. Increased citizen participation: Direct democracy allows citizens to have a direct say in decision-making processes, leading to increased political engagement and participation.
2. Transparency and accountability: Direct democracy promotes transparency in government decision-making processes, as citizens have a direct role in shaping policies and holding elected officials accountable.
3. Enhanced legitimacy: Direct democracy can enhance the legitimacy of government decisions, as they are directly approved by the citizens themselves.
4. Protection of minority rights: Direct democracy can help protect the rights of minority groups, as their voices are directly heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Demerits of direct democracy:
1. Time-consuming and costly: Direct democracy can be time-consuming and costly, as it requires extensive public consultations and referendums to make decisions.
2. Lack of expertise: Direct democracy may lack the expertise and knowledge needed to make informed decisions on complex issues, leading to potentially uninformed or misguided policies.
3. Potential for majority tyranny: Direct democracy can lead to majority tyranny, where the rights and interests of minority groups are overlooked in favor of the majority's preferences.
4. Vulnerability to manipulation: Direct democracy can be vulnerable to manipulation by special interest groups or political elites, who may use misinformation or propaganda to sway public opinion in their favor.