UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

Which form of government allows citizens to rule directly?

1. Representative democracy

2. Direct democracy

3. Pluralist democracy

4. Monarchy

The correct answer is: Direct democracy

Direct democracy is a form of government in which citizens have the opportunity to participate directly in decision-making processes. This allows individuals to influence legislation and policy without intermediaries, like elected representatives. Citizens can engage in voting on specific issues or laws, rather than simply choosing representatives to make those decisions on their behalf. This structure enhances civic engagement and provides a platform for the population to directly voice their preferences and priorities. In contrast, representative democracy involves citizens electing officials to represent their interests, which means that the ruling is not done directly by the people but through a selected representative body. Pluralist democracy emphasizes the role of competing interest groups in influencing the political landscape, focusing on a system where many voices can be heard rather than direct rule by citizens. Monarchy, on the other hand, typically involves a single ruler or family holding power, often inherited, and does not facilitate direct citizen involvement in governance decisions.