Strengths and weaknesses of direct legislation Essay

Strengths and weaknesses of direct legislation - Essay Example Direct legislation is a political process in which the people can vote to effect changes in the socio-economic and political policies without governments say (Little and David 43). It entails referendum, Plebiscite and initiative. One of its strengths is that it helps in establishing policies that represents the desire of the majority. While political representatives can be influenced to sacrifice the people for vested interest, direct legislature ensure that limited external forces distract the electorate from participating in their course. One of the greatest weaknesses of this system is that it is costly and time consuming as civil education needs to be done. It is also vulnerable to indirect political influence as the voters may be induced to take misinformed decision. A comparative analysis of this legislature and professional legislature shows significant differences in terms of cost, staff size and level of commitment. In professional legislature, a member takes the work as fu ll time job. It differs from civilian legislature in which members serve on part time basis while holding other assignments (Little and David 67). Professional legislature investigates critical issues affecting the society and put them within the political debate process. It is comparative cheaper than direct legislature as it requires little time and faster decision making. Although some States in United States use either direct legislature or professional, hybrid is the best in which is a blend of the two are variably used.