Assess the argument in favour of the greater use of Direct Democracy in the UK

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Assess the argument in favour of the greater use of Direct Democracy in the UK

Direct democracy is a form of democracy that is based on the direct, unmediated and continuous participation of citizens in tasks of government. As such, it obliterates the distinction between government and the people. It is therefore a system of popular self-government. Direct democracy can be enthused by using referendums. These are a popular vote on issues of public policy for example, the AV referendum of May 2010.  Another form of direct democracy that can be put into practice is initiatives. These are used as a procedure usually using a petition through which the public can call a vote to force politicians to consider a proposal. Jury lots are another use of direct democracy. This is when a randomly chosen group of people are asked to express the views of the wider public. This allows the government insight to direct views of the public, highlighting the unity of the government and the people in a direct democracy.

The greater use of direct democracy in the UK would ensure that there are better informal citizens. They are encouraged to be educated in politics, as they have to be able to make a measured view on government matters. Direct and regular participation in government inspires people to take more interest in their own society-both how it works and how it should work.

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Conversely, this isn’t practical in the way that many uneducated people can advice policies, which realistically and professionally cannot be put into practice. These policies could be anything due to freedom of speech and thought. Direct democracy clearly suggests that these policies, should they become popular, must be put into practice. The public all having other jobs and a life of their own may tire of being part of the political decisions and become idle not putting in the time and effort needed to keep the county running the way it should be.

On the other hand, direct democracy is ...

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