Which term refers to a system where citizens directly make laws rather than electing representatives?

Which term refers to a system where citizens directly make laws rather than electing representatives?

• A. Republic
• B. Democracy
• C. Spatial Model of Voting
• D. Rational Ignorance

Answer: (B)

Think about who writes the laws. Democracy centers on citizen participation in government, including situations where people vote directly on laws through mechanisms like referendums or initiatives. This direct involvement means the authority to shape laws rests with the people themselves, which is why democracy fits the scenario best. A republic, by contrast, relies on elected representatives to make laws on behalf of the people, not directly by the people. The other terms describe ideas rather than forms of government: the spatial model of voting is a theory about where people and parties stand on issues, and rational ignorance explains why voters might not learn about every issue because the costs of doing so outweigh the perceived benefits.

Think about who writes the laws. Democracy centers on citizen participation in government, including situations where people vote directly on laws through mechanisms like referendums or initiatives. This direct involvement means the authority to shape laws rests with the people themselves, which is why democracy fits the scenario best. A republic, by contrast, relies on elected representatives to make laws on behalf of the people, not directly by the people. The other terms describe ideas rather than forms of government: the spatial model of voting is a theory about where people and parties stand on issues, and rational ignorance explains why voters might not learn about every issue because the costs of doing so outweigh the perceived benefits.