What is the main way a representative democracy differs from a direct democracy?

In a representative democracy, citizens of a country pick individuals to make laws for them. This is the case in the United States, as citizens vpte on individuals to serve in the local, state, and national government .

On the other hand, a direct democracy would be one in which the citizens vote on laws themselves instead of having politicians represent their views. This type of democracy is almost impossible in a country with a large population.