Why do you think Ancient Rome used direct democracy while America uses * representative democracy, and what can we learn about how to involve people in making decisions?

Ancient Rome utilized a form of direct democracy primarily during its early Republic phase, allowing citizens to vote on crucial issues and laws themselves. This structure empowered citizens, fostering civic engagement, but it was limited to a select group of wealthy male patricians, while the majority, including women and lower classes, had little to no voice. In contrast, America's representative democracy was designed to manage a larger, more diverse population, delegating decision-making to elected officials who could represent the interests of their constituents at scale. To involve people in decision-making, lessons from both systems highlight the importance of accessibility and education. Involving citizens through town hall meetings, participatory budgeting, and digital platforms can create a more inclusive dialogue and empower individuals to express their views, making democracy a more vibrant and representative force within society.