Which term best describes a system in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf?

Which term best describes a system in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf?

• A. Direct democracy
• B. Indirect democracy
• C. Autocracy
• D. Theocracy

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference between direct and indirect democracy is key here. When citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf, the system is a form of indirect democracy, also known as representative democracy. In this setup, people choose elected officials to make laws and run government rather than voting on every issue themselves. Direct democracy, by contrast, involves citizens voting directly on laws and policies themselves. An autocracy concentrates power in one person or a single authority with little to no input from the people. A theocracy bases governance on religious leaders and religious law. So, the description fits indirect democracy because it emphasizes governance through elected representatives rather than direct citizen decision-making.

Understanding the difference between direct and indirect democracy is key here. When citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf, the system is a form of indirect democracy, also known as representative democracy. In this setup, people choose elected officials to make laws and run government rather than voting on every issue themselves.

Direct democracy, by contrast, involves citizens voting directly on laws and policies themselves. An autocracy concentrates power in one person or a single authority with little to no input from the people. A theocracy bases governance on religious leaders and religious law. So, the description fits indirect democracy because it emphasizes governance through elected representatives rather than direct citizen decision-making.