What is representative government?

Representative government is a political system where citizens have the opportunity to elect representatives—usually members of parliament—who make decisions and create laws on their behalf. This system is designed to give the populace a voice in governance while allowing elected officials to consider the complexities of law-making and political decision-making.

In this structure, representatives are accountable to their constituents, and if they do not act in their interests, citizens have the power to vote them out in subsequent elections. This ensures that the government operates based on the will of the people, as elected officials are tasked with representing the diverse views and needs of their electorate.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of representative government. Direct participation in law-making does not allow for the practicalities of modern governance, where time, expertise, and logistical considerations necessitate a representative system. Additionally, while majority opinion can influence decisions, representative government is not solely based on majority rule; it balances various interests and viewpoints. Lastly, a system purely governed by appointed officials lacks the democratic element of public choice and accountability, which is a core tenet of representative government.