What distinguishes indirect democracy from direct democracy?

Indirect democracy is characterized by the process where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This system allows for a structured form of governance where elected officials are accountable to the public, providing a mechanism for citizen involvement in the political process without requiring direct participation in every decision. Through this representative structure, citizens can ensure that their views and interests are represented in legislative bodies, thus creating a more efficient system for larger populations where direct democracy might be impractical.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe indirect democracy. For instance, stating that citizens have no influence in this system misrepresents the elected representatives' role, as they are meant to act according to the constituents' wishes. Suggesting that decisions are made by a single leader is more indicative of a dictatorship rather than indirect democracy, where a collective of elected officials typically governs. Lastly, the claim that indirect democracy lacks voting mechanisms overlooks the fundamental principle that citizens participate in the political process through elections, which are central to its operation.