Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?
I can recognise what direct and representative democracy are and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Is direct democracy better than representative democracy?
I can recognise what direct and representative democracy are and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A direct democracy is where people decide on the policy directly, with Switzerland being an example.
- A representative democracy is a system where citizens elect others to represent them, with the UK being an example.
- There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of democracy.
Keywords
Direct democracy - a type of democracy where the people decide on the policy directly, for example, through a vote or referendum on each issue
Representative democracy - a type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them in making important decisions on their behalf
Referendum - a general vote by the electorate on a single political issue which has been referred to them for a direct decision; it is a form of direct democracy
Common misconception
A country just uses direct democracy.
Direct democracy can be used on its own or with other forms of democracy, such as representative democracy.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
voting in a general election
referendum
decisions may be more acceptable to the population
costly and time-consuming
may encourage political engagement
sometimes generates an emotional, not a rational, response