Proponents of direct democracy insist on citizen participation in formulating government policy.
Practical observers contend that citizens can govern indirectly through elected representatives.
There are two basic forms of political participation. Conventional participation refers to relatively routine political behavior using the institutional channels of repre-sentative government, such as election. Individuals may engage in supportive behavior, which expresses allegiance to government and country. Typically, however, citizens participate in conventional politics in order to influence government policy. People may seek particular benefits for themselves or they may hope to modify the broad policies of government.