Direct Democracy in the United States

Is it possible for us to obtain a state of direct democracy here in the United States? If it is possible, would be desirable? In order to answer those questions with any clarity of logic, before we even are capable of deciding whether it is possible or desirable, it is necessary to first place a definition on democracy. 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau defines democracy as when the sovereign places the “...government in the hands of the whole people, or of the greater part of the people, so that there are more citizen-magistrates than there are ordinary private citizens (p.110).” This definition of democracy asks more questions than it answers. Or perhaps it asks a bigger question than it answers, namely, who or what is the sovereign? In order to understand Rousseau’s presentment of democracy, that question must be answered. 

In Rousseau’s democracy, the people are the sovereign. That’s easy to say, but what exactly does that mean? Does it mean that every citizen’s will is paramount? Can any citizen make the law? The answer to both of those questions is no, of course not. The sovereignty of the people is bound up in the people assembled. In assembly, the people are sovereign, exercising the law making power. When they are not assembled, the citizens are subjects, following the just law that the sovereign has made. What does this tell us about oppressive laws? 

In Rousseau’s democracy, there are no oppressive laws. All laws passed by the sovereign will be based on the general will, which is another way of saying the common good. All laws enacted by the sovereign citizens assembled will be what is best for the citizens as subjects. These laws will always be good. These laws will always be in the best interest of the citizens. I do see some problems with this. How does a citizen know whether his desire is a manifestation of his particular will or that of the general will?