How citizens evaluate the legitimacy of direct vote and representation-based decision-making: Findings from the focus groups on adoption of the Euro and acceptance of refugees

How should political decisions be made to ensure a high level of legitimacy in the eyes ordinary citizens? In order answer this question, we conducted six focus groups (N = 29) with adults (20-78 years old). We analyzed data using thematic analysis, within essentialist/realist framework and focused on explicit meanings data. Two specific issues were explored: adoption Euro acceptance Syrian orphan refugees. The bottom-up analysis revealed that participants considered two strategies decision-making (direct vote representation based) discussed pros cons each process detail. results point out importance public deliberation, transparency, source evaluating overall decisions-making process. Further, unlike popular belief citizens are thirsty for direct democracy our suggest people rather hesitant about placing big into hands citizens, nor do they want burdened making might not affect them directly. Rather, described representation-based as legitimate if condition trust politicians is met.