The word democracy can be defined either way. One being “government by the people exercised through elected representatives” and the other being “ majority rule , government that is exercised through the people.” Both definitions although similar have great contrasts. They both in microcosmical way represent direct democracy which includes having referendums, initiatives and recall. What is a referendum? Well it’s like an election in that citizens are registered to vote and cast a ballot. The difference is that they do not vote for a representative, they vote for a question. One of the most important characteristics of this type of vote is that it is the total number of votes cast for the question that counts and usually the ballot only has two options yes and no . However, referendums have not been a frequent happening in Canadian politics. The other form is know as representative democracy and is the traditional style of selecting a representative as the voice of the people. Canada has used this form for many years. Now in the 21st century there have been criticism as well as complements for the system we now carry. Some argue that direct democracy is the way to go because it truly represents the peopl
The debate over which system is superior will rage on and on with no near end in sight. Representative government versus direct democracy. Both have strong arguments for and against why each is better or why each is worse. Historically in Canada referendums have been used rarely and the idea does seem appealing at first and it does seem logical that more people would participate if they had a more direct roll. However too much of a good thing doesn’t make it a good thing it begins to become common and soon all we see is “neverendums ” and it loses its appeal. Then there’s the whole debate on our politicians and the trust level that people have towards them. But in all honesty when election time rolls around no matter who you are you throw your support behind that person that embodies your ideological thought and whose platform you support no matter what. Whether it be a Howard Hampton or a Dalton McGuinty to a David Miller or a Barbara Hall you still support them. Divisiveness in direct democracy can also be a big blow to its case in a heterogeneous county like Canada. It fairly difficult for it to function smoothly without problems. Then there’s the issues of if Canada is truly a democracy. Does it represent the essence of democracy? Or is it just dictatorship in disguise. Highly unlikely but some seem to believe that notion. However in the end Canada has used the representative democracy system and there does not seem to be a great deal of objection. That’s not to say that the implementation of the use of more referendums and direct democracy wouldn’t work. You just need to look at both side and figure out where your cards lay.
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