The differences between direct and representative democracy lie primarily in how citizens participate in decision-making. In a direct democracy, individuals have the opportunity to directly vote on legislation and policy measures, fostering a more immediate engagement with governance. This system is often seen in smaller communities or specific situations, such as referendums. Conversely, representative democracy tasks elected officials with making decisions on behalf of their constituents, allowing for more streamlined governance in larger populations. While both systems aim to reflect the will of the people, they vary in terms of participation, efficiency, and the mechanisms of accountability.