Direct democracy: Institutions, legal and political problems

This Phd Thesis, ``Direct Democracy: Institutions, Legal And Political Problems?? consists of three chapters. The general framework of this study is the comparative analysis of direct democracy devices in various constitutions and their effect in the functioning of the political systems.In the first chapter, we tackled the problem of definition and classification of different devices of direct democracy. Under the same chapter, a theoretical survey is presented as to the effects and value of the devices of direct democracy.Second chapter includes a study of various constitutions, particularly those of Switzerland, Italy, France and US States, in terms of direct democracy. Referendum and Popular Initiative are the two main titles. Referendums are classified according to initiative procedure, subject matter and legal effects. Finally in this chapter, we go on to evaluate legal problems occurring in the framework of the application of direct democracyIn the final and third chapter, we attempt to make a comparative analysis of political systems, in which the devices of direct democracy occupy an active role. In this chapter, Institutions and experiences of direct democracy in Switzerland, Italy, US States, Ireland, Denmark, France, United Kingdom and Turkey are studied in detail. In this vein, constitutional provisions, subject matters of referendums, the effect of direct democracy on the political decisions, voter behavior and the role of the political parties may be listed as the common themes.