Which of the following actions is the best example of direct democracy, where citizens vote directly on a specific issue rather than only electing representatives?

Introduction / Context:
Democracy can take different forms. In a representative democracy, citizens mainly exercise power by electing representatives who then make decisions on their behalf. In direct democracy, citizens vote themselves on specific laws, policies or decisions. Some systems combine both forms using tools like referendums, initiatives and recall elections. This question asks you to identify which action is a clear example of direct democracy rather than ordinary representative participation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The key concept is direct democracy, where citizens vote directly on issues or specific decisions.
• The options mention recall voting, serving in local government, protesting and electing a state senator.
• We assume that voting on an issue or decision is more direct than simply choosing a representative.
• The correct answer should involve direct decision making by citizens on a specific matter.

Concept / Approach:
In many places, tools of direct democracy include referendums on laws, citizens initiatives to propose measures and recall elections to remove officials before the end of their term. When citizens sign petitions and then vote directly on whether to remove a governor in a recall election, they are exercising direct democracy. By contrast, voting in a normal election to choose a senator is representative democracy, because the senator will later make many decisions on behalf of the voters. Protesting is an important form of political participation but is not itself a formal direct vote on policy. Serving as an official is a role inside government, not a direct democratic vote. Therefore, the option involving recall voting is the clearest example of direct democracy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the definition of direct democracy: citizens vote directly on laws or specific decisions instead of acting only through representatives. Step 2: Option A describes voting for the recall of a state governor, which means citizens directly decide whether the governor should remain in office. This is a direct vote on a specific question. Step 3: Option B, serving as an official in local government, is a role inside the system, not an example of direct voting by citizens on a specific issue. Step 4: Option C, protesting government legislation, is a form of political expression and pressure but not a formal direct decision through voting. Step 5: Option D, electing a member to the state senate, is a classic example of representative democracy, because citizens choose a representative to decide issues later. Step 6: Therefore, option A is the best example of direct democracy among the choices given.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider other examples of direct democracy as described in textbooks: citizens voting in a referendum on a new constitution, voting on whether to raise local taxes for a specific project or voting on citizen initiated measures. All of these involve casting a yes or no vote on a clear question. A recall election fits this pattern because the ballot typically asks whether the official should be removed before the term ends. Representational elections, by contrast, ask citizens to choose people, not policies. This comparison confirms that recall voting, as in option A, is a direct democratic action.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because serving in local government is exercising office, not a direct vote by the public on a specific policy or decision.

Option C is wrong because protesting, while politically important, does not itself decide policy in a binding way through a formal vote.

Option D is wrong because voting for a state senator is a representative election, where the elected senator will later make decisions on behalf of voters.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to treat any political activity, such as protesting or holding office, as direct democracy. Another mistake is to forget that representative elections, even though they are democratic, are not examples of citizens voting on specific laws. To avoid these errors, remember that direct democracy always involves citizens casting votes on clearly defined questions or decisions, such as a recall, referendum or initiative. When answering similar questions, look for options describing a yes or no vote on a policy or on the continuation of an official in office.

Final Answer:
Voting for the recall of a state governor through a special citizen initiated election.