What is the process where people directly decide on policies, often through votes or referendums?

The process where people directly decide on policies, often through votes or referendums, is referred to as direct democracy. This form of governance empowers citizens to engage actively in decision-making regarding laws and policies that affect their lives, enabling them to vote on specific issues rather than relying solely on elected representatives to make those decisions for them.

In a direct democracy, the involvement of the electorate is essential; they have the opportunity to express their preferences directly, which can lead to more immediate and reflective decision-making. This approach contrasts with other forms of democracy, such as representative democracy, where elected officials make decisions on behalf of citizens, or indirect democracy, which also relies on representatives to address policies without direct public involvement in every decision.

Overall, direct democracy emphasizes citizen participation and autonomy in governance, making it a significant concept in understanding how some societies encourage public engagement in political processes.