Which of the following is a disadvantage of a direct democracy?

Prepare for the AQA GCSE Citizenship Exam with confidence! Our quiz features multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and helpful hints to boost your exam readiness.

A direct democracy is a system where citizens directly participate in decision-making rather than through elected representatives. One significant disadvantage of this system is its impracticality for large populations. In a direct democracy, every individual must have the opportunity to vote on every issue or decision. As the population grows, organizing and facilitating this level of participation becomes increasingly complex and challenging. This may lead to inefficiencies, as not all citizens may have the time or resources to participate in every decision, potentially resulting in lower engagement and representation.

For smaller communities or groups, a direct democracy might function well, allowing for vibrant discussion and active involvement. However, in large countries or cities, gathering every citizen's input and making decisions that reflect the majority will become increasingly cumbersome. As a consequence, this limitation can hinder effective governance and slow down the legislative process. This is why the answer points to the impractical nature of direct democracy for larger populations.

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