What type of democracy involves citizens ruling directly rather than through representatives?

Direct democracy is a form of governance in which citizens have the direct power to make decisions on policy issues, laws, and regulations without the mediation of elected representatives. This allows for a more intimate and immediate form of participation where the electorate can vote on specific issues or initiatives directly, reflecting their preferences and desires in real-time.

In contrast, representative democracy involves citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This system is often adopted in larger societies where direct participation in all decisions may not be practical. Participatory democracy emphasizes the involvement of citizens not just in voting but in all aspects of political life. It promotes engagement in the political process but still may involve various representatives to facilitate citizen input. Deliberative democracy focuses on dialogue and discussion among citizens to reach a consensus or informed decision, but it still relies on representatives to some extent.

Thus, direct democracy stands out for its unique feature of citizen participation without intermediaries, allowing individuals to influence governance directly.