What characterizes direct democracy compared to representative democracy?

The defining feature of direct democracy is that citizens have the opportunity to vote directly on laws and policies, without intermediary representatives. This system allows individuals to participate actively in the decision-making process, often through initiatives and referendums where they can express their preferences on specific issues.

In contrast, representative democracy relies on elected officials to make laws and govern on behalf of the citizens. While representatives are accountable to their constituents, the actual voting and decision-making take place within the legislative bodies. Therefore, the essence of direct democracy lies in its emphasis on direct citizen involvement, which distinguishes it from systems where elected officials hold the power to legislate and govern.