Direct democracy and representative democracy differ fundamentally in how citizens engage with the political process. In direct democracy, citizens vote directly on policies and laws, ensuring immediate participation in decision-making. Examples include referendums and initiatives. Conversely, representative democracy involves electing officials to make decisions on behalf of the electorate, emphasizing delegation and professional governance. These systems reflect different approaches to citizen involvement in governance, with direct democracy often promoting active engagement while representative democracy prioritizes efficiency and expertise in policymaking.