Direct democracy and representative democracy differ primarily in the mechanism of decision-making. In direct democracy, citizens directly participate in shaping laws and policies, often through referendums or initiatives, allowing for immediate public input. In contrast, representative democracy involves electing officials who make decisions on behalf of their constituents, thereby delegating authority. While direct democracy emphasizes popular sovereignty, representative democracy can streamline decision-making in larger societies. However, representative systems may risk disconnecting elected officials from the electorate's will, highlighting a crucial tension between direct involvement and representative governance.