The term direct democracy is commonly used to refer to three distinct types of vote: referendums, citizen initiatives and recall. The common characteristic of these mechanisms is that they all place more power directly in the hands of voters, as opposed to elected representatives.

There are four mechanisms of direct democracy designed to give the electorate increased opportunities to involve themselves in the running of their governments – referendums, citizens’ initiatives, agenda initiatives and recalls.

The main forms of direct democracy are referendums (the alternative plural form ‘referenda’ is also widely used) and citizens’ initiatives.

Depending on the particular system in use, direct democracy might entail passing executive decisions, the use of sortition, making laws, directly electing or dismissing officials, and conducting trials.

The Handbook examines four separate mechanisms that comprise direct democracy: referendums; citizens’ initiatives; agenda initiatives; and recall.