Which of the following best describes a direct democracy?

A direct democracy is best described as a system where citizens have direct involvement in creating laws and making decisions that affect their lives. In this type of government, the populace participates actively in decision-making processes, often through referendums or initiatives where they can vote on specific issues. This contrasts significantly with other government structures, such as representative democracies where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf, or systems where authority is centralized in a monarchy or oligarchy. The essence of a direct democracy is the empowerment of the citizenry to be directly engaged in the legislative process and governance, highlighting the principle of popular sovereignty. This fosters a greater sense of responsibility and connection to the governance of their community or nation.