What is representative democracy?

Representative democracy is characterized by a system in which the people elect representatives who are responsible for making laws and decisions on their behalf. This method allows for a more efficient governance structure, particularly in larger societies, where direct voting on every issue by all citizens would be impractical. The elected representatives are accountable to their constituents, which reinforces the principle of accountability in governance.

In contrast to the other options, where direct participation or different forms of leadership are emphasized, representative democracy focuses on the election process where citizens choose individuals to act as their advocates and decision-makers in the legislative process. This ensures that the views and interests of the populace are represented within the governmental framework, fostering a connection between the citizens and their government officials.