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→Direct democracy in the United States today
==Direct democracy in the United States today==
==Direct democracy in the United States today==
Direct democracy is not practiced at the Federal level; it is a pure Constitutional Republic.
Direct democracy is practiced today in those New England towns that have ''open town meetings.''
Direct democracy is practiced in most states, in that people vote on approving amendments to state constitutions. Some state constitutions, such as [[California]]'s, allow for certain elements of direct democracy, including [[recall]]s and public [[initiatives]] and [[referendum]]s.
The phrase "New England town" does not mean merely a town in New England, but refers to a characteristic form of town government. The executive branch is called the ''board of selectman'' and the legislative branch is the ''town meeting.''
Direct democracy is practiced today for the most part at the local level, as many jurisdictions require voter approval for [[municipal bond]] proposals and tax increases in some cases, along with amendments to local charters.
An example is those New England towns that have ''open town meetings.''
The phrase "New England town" does not mean merely a town in New England but refers to a characteristic form of town government. The executive branch is called the ''board of selectman'' and the legislative branch is the ''town meeting.''
Smaller towns usually have ''open town meetings'' at which any citizen can attend and vote. (In Massachusetts, for example, towns with populations of less than 6,000 are required to have open town meetings). Larger towns, however, usually have representative town meetings. Illustrator Norman Rockwell "Freedom of Speech" power, one of his "four freedoms" posters, shows a citizen rising to speak in what is probably an open town meeting.
Smaller towns usually have ''open town meetings'' at which any citizen can attend and vote. (In Massachusetts, for example, towns with populations of less than 6,000 are required to have open town meetings). Larger towns, however, usually have representative town meetings. Illustrator Norman Rockwell "Freedom of Speech" power, one of his "four freedoms" posters, shows a citizen rising to speak in what is probably an open town meeting.
==See also==
==See also==