>>5
It is a very large issue for some people. There is from a historical perspective significant difference between the type of government one has when the people vote on legislation directly (example, Athenian democracy) and what one has when the people vote for representatives who will work with other representatives to direct the government in the interest (at least theoretically) of the people (example, the early Roman republic).

It is not the case that one must be good or one must be evil, though I would also note that when Athens ruled by direct democracy it was a ruthless imperialistic state feared and hated by its neighbors. But some believe that having a layer of representatives who cooperate and discuss matters can prevent the tyranny of the mob that Athens suffered. On the other hand, too many fossilized layers results in rule by the lobbyists and representatives who ignore the wishes of their people, which America suffers today.

These are very different systems of government and it is worthwhile to discuss them. Once upon a time civics classes taught the students about this sort of thing, back when the Earth's crust was cooling.