What is a key feature of a direct democracy compared to a representative democracy?

A key feature that distinguishes a direct democracy from a representative democracy is that citizens vote on specific issues directly. In a direct democracy, individuals have the ability to participate actively in the decision-making process by voting on laws, policies, and other important matters without intermediaries. This contrasts with a representative democracy, where citizens elect officials to represent their interests and make those decisions on their behalf.

In a direct democracy, the focus is on the direct engagement of citizens in the legislative process, enabling them to have a say in particular issues as they arise, such as referendums or initiatives. This method empowers individuals to take part directly in shaping the laws and regulations that govern them, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in the political process. Such a feature is not present in a representative democracy, where the elected representatives hold the decision-making power, thus separating the populace from direct control over legislation.