What defines representative democracy?

Representative democracy is characterized by the principle that elected officials, or representatives, are chosen by the citizens to make decisions and legislate on their behalf. This system underscores the importance of the electorate choosing individuals who will advocate for their interests and preferences without needing to vote on each individual issue directly.

In contrast to direct democracy, where citizens participate in decision-making for every issue, representative democracy streamlines governance by allowing elected representatives to deliberate and enact policies. This model is foundational in many democratic societies where practical considerations, such as the complexity of governance and the efficiency of decision-making in large populations, make direct participation impractical.

Civic engagement is encouraged but not required in a representative democracy, and policies are typically established through deliberation and voting rather than through plebiscites or direct votes on every matter. Thus, the selection of representatives to make decisions is what fundamentally defines representative democracy.