In terms of governance, what is a key feature of representative democracy?

In a representative democracy, a key feature is the election of representatives to make decisions on behalf of the citizens. This system allows people to choose individuals who share their values and interests to represent them in government. The representatives are responsible for making laws, setting policies, and making crucial decisions that affect the community. This structure helps ensure that the interests of a broader population are reflected in governance, rather than leaving decision-making to a single ruler or a small group.

Citizens participate in the democratic process primarily through regular elections, where they vote for candidates to represent them, which underscores the principle of popular sovereignty—the idea that the power of the government comes from the consent of the governed. This mechanism also allows for accountability, as representatives can be re-elected or voted out based on their performance and compatibility with the voters' needs.

In contrast, direct votes by citizens on every issue would create a different form of governance and is not representative democracy. Long-term hereditary leaders and strict adherence to tradition denote systems that do not align with the principles of representation and choice fundamental to this type of democracy.