Unit 3 Essay Example: "Direct democracy is good in theory; however, it is often bad in practice. Discuss "

This Study Note contains the key terms that you would need to include if you chose to answer this question, along with 10 great examples that you could use to support your arguments.

So, before having a go at answering the question, make sure you can explain what each of the following terms mean:

• Direct Democracy
• Referendum
• Initiatives
• Recall Elections
• Propositions
• Petitions
• Issue Advocacy
• California
• Power to the People
• Signatories
• State Level
• Democratic Devices
• Bottom Up Process
• Participation
• Engagement
• Pressure Groups

Contemporary Examples

Direct democracy is good in theory but bad in practice

1. In May 2012, North Carolina banned same-sex marriage via an initiative
2. In 2014 turnout in California elections was only 42% and passed a number of propositions.
3. In 2008, Proposition 8 in California was subject to huge involvement by pressure groups and organisations hoping to influence the result.

Direct democracy is good in theory and good in practice

1. In November 2012, Maine voted on establishing same sex marriage via an initiative with a positive outcome.
2. In 2012, Wisconsin had a recall election against Governor Scott Walker over unhappiness with this agenda.
3. In 2012 there 174 ballot propositions nation wide

Historical Examples

Direct democracy is good in theory but bad in practice

1. In 1998, Alaska banned same sex marriage via initiative
2. In 2004, Utah’s ban on same sex marriage was ruled as unconstitutional.

Direct democracy is good in theory and good in practice

1. In 1995, George Petak of the Wisconsin State Senate was recalled after he broke a campaign promise
2. In the late 90s and early 2000s voters considered in excess of 200 ballot propositions nation wide.