Document Type : Article
Authors
1
PhD student in public law, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Public Law, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3
Associate Prof., Department of Philosophy, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4
Prof., Department of law, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
5
Associate Prof., Department of law, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The confrontation between the two theories of direct and indirect democracy is one of the contentious topics surrounding democratic implementation models. In direct democracy, citizens exclusively have the right to enact laws. In contrast, the idea of indirect democracy claims that due to citizens' ignorance and the high costs associated with directly consulting them in any matter, representatives can better fulfill this responsibility. The arguments for the latter have gained more traction due to a closer connection to reality (at least until now); however, with the extensive changes brought about by technological advancements known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the possibility of altering these assumptions seems plausible. In this context, the present paper, seeks to answer the question: how the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution can help address the gaps in the idea of direct democracy? This research suggests that if the predictions are realized, access for the general public will become much easier and less costly, and even with the help of new technologies, citizens' preferences can be extracted without direct consultation. Additionally, with the assistance of artificial intelligence, it is expected that the general public will have an even greater ability to participate in drafting programs or selecting proposals that align with their desired interests; developments that effectively negate the advantages of the indirect democracy concept.
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