REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
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Representative democracy is a form of government in which the citizens of a nation elect individuals to act as their representatives in making decisions that will govern the country. These representatives are chosen through free and fair elections, typically held at regular intervals, and are entrusted with the responsibility to voice the concerns, needs, and interests of the people they represent.
In a representative democracy, power rests with the elected officials who are chosen to make decisions on behalf of the citizens. These officials are expected to prioritize the welfare of the people and make decisions that align with their interests and values. They are accountable to the electorate and can be held responsible for their actions through various means such as periodic elections, scrutiny from the media, and accountability mechanisms.
This form of democracy is often characterized by the existence of political parties, which compete for votes and seek to gain control of the legislative bodies. These parties present candidates for office, and citizens have the opportunity to choose their preferred representative from among the competing candidates.
Representative democracy is designed to ensure that power is distributed among elected representatives who are supposed to act as a collective voice of the people. This system aims to strike a balance between the interests of the majority and the rights of minorities, while offering a platform for citizens to participate in the decision-making process through their elected representatives.
Etymology of REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
The word "representative" traces back to the Latin word "representare", which is a combination of "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and "presentare" (meaning "to present" or "to stand for"). In this context, "represent" refers to acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something else.
The word "democracy" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "demos" (meaning "people") and "kratia" (meaning "rule" or "power"). Thus, democracy refers to a system of government in which the power and authority lie with the people.
When combined, "representative democracy" refers to a form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf. This form of democracy ensures that the government is accountable to the people and acts in their best interests.
