Question

Why is democracy called representative government?

Hint:

To explain this concept, always contrast 'direct democracy' (people rule directly) with 'indirect' or 'representative democracy' (people rule through their elected representatives). Modern democracies are almost exclusively of the representative type.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
The term 'democracy' literally means 'rule by the people'. However, in most modern nations, it is not practical for all citizens to participate directly in day-to-day decision-making. Democracy is therefore called a representative government because the people exercise their power through elected representatives.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Democracy is called a representative government for the following reasons:
1. Practicality in Large Societies: In ancient Greece, direct democracy was possible in small city-states where all citizens could gather to make decisions. In modern, large, and populous nation-states, this is impossible. A representative system is the only practical way to implement democracy on a large scale.
2. Election of Representatives: The core mechanism of a representative democracy is regular, free, and fair elections. Citizens cast their votes to elect representatives who will act on their behalf in the legislature (like the Parliament or a State Assembly).
3. Governance by Proxy: The elected representatives are entrusted with the power to make laws, formulate policies, and run the administration on behalf of the people who elected them. They are supposed to reflect the will and interests of their constituents.
4. Accountability: These representatives are accountable to the people. If they fail to perform their duties satisfactorily, the citizens have the power to vote them out of office in the next election. This mechanism of accountability ensures that the government remains responsive to the people.
In essence, the government is 'representative' because it represents the sovereign will of the people.