Demokracja bezpośrednia na poziomie lokalnym: Czy obywatele chcą partycypacji?

Contemporarytheory of democracyplaces great emphasison direct forms ofcitizens’ participation inpolitical life.Direct democracyis the core ofthe functioning ofdemocratic systems. It is ageneral rulein making decisions, even those controversial or connected to publicaffairs, taking place in the common vote. Whatkinds of institutions of direct democracy are practiced, it mainly depends on historical, cultural and economical conditions. The aim of the research is an attempt to specify the level of support for citizens’participation in new forms of direct democracy such as participatory budgets, as well as the purpose of the research is the diagnosis for citizens’ abilities to participate in the possible institutions of direct democracy that function in the local government. To summarize conducted research, it can be concluded that citizens declare their support for the possibility of co-deciding on municipality budgets and possibility of strengthening their participation through the available institutions of direct democracy in local governments, such as the referendum or locals’ consults. This support is generally independent from sympathizing with the different political parties or ideological view points.