USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The history of direct democracy amongst non-Native Americans in the United States dates from the 1630s in the New England Colonies. The legislatures of the New England colonies were initially governed as popular assemblies, with every freeman eligible to directly vote in the election of officers and drafting of laws.

Detailed explanation-2: -The New England town meeting and school district meeting are the only direct democracy institutions in the United States involving lawmaking by assembled voters.

Detailed explanation-3: -Virtually every other deliberative body uses elected representatives selected by voters, but the town meeting is a legislative body open to any legal voter within the jurisdiction. At a town meeting, each citizen represents him or herself, and thus the town meeting functions as direct democracy.

Detailed explanation-4: -The colonies prospered, reflecting the Puritans’ strong belief in the values of hard work and thrift (Protestant Work Ethic). Puritans used town meetings (an “Athenian” direct democracy model) in the operation of government. Puritan church member men were given the right to vote in New England society.