representative democracy

USAGE SUMMARY

"representative democracy" is a valid and usable expression in English.
It can be used to describe a form of government where citizens elect representatives who act and vote on their behalf in a legislative assembly. It can also be used in a more general sense to emphasize the idea of citizens having a say in the functioning of the state. Example sentence: In a representative democracy, citizens can vote to have their views represented in their government.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A representative democracy only represents those who participate in it.

Vice

Thus the simple demand that representative democracy looks like the country it represents is somehow radical.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a representative democracy".

The New York Times

And they have hurt representative democracy.

The Economist

We live in a representative democracy.

The New York Times

They meant by that a "representative democracy".

The New York Times

This only strengthens representative democracy.

The New York Times

It's representative democracy in action.

The New York Times

"Representative democracy," I think it's called.

The New Yorker

But representative democracy is what we've got.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mohamud will also need to fight for more representative democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effectiveness of a "representative democracy", consider including specific examples of policies or decisions made by elected officials that reflect the will of the people.

Common error

Avoid using "representative democracy" interchangeably with direct democracy. The former involves elected representatives making decisions, while the latter allows citizens to vote directly on policies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative democracy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific system of governance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid English expression frequently used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "representative democracy" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a political system where elected officials represent citizens' interests. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's primarily found in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in tone, it is important to distinguish it from direct democracy. Understanding its usage allows for clear and accurate communication about governance and political systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indirect democracy

Points out the 'indirect' nature of the democracy, where citizens elect representatives instead of voting on every issue.

democratic representation

Focuses on the act of representing the people in a democratic system.

constitutional democracy

Underlines the role of a constitution in defining and limiting the powers of government.

elected government

Emphasizes the election process as the source of governmental authority.

parliamentary system

Highlights the structure of government centered around a parliament or legislature.

republican governance

Stresses the principles of a republic, where power is held by elected representatives.

popular sovereignty

Shifts the emphasis to the ultimate authority residing in the people.

delegated authority

Focuses on the idea that power is delegated from the people to their representatives.

accountable governance

Highlights the importance of government being responsible and answerable to the people.

responsible government

Stresses the duty of the government to act in the best interests of its citizens.

FAQs

How does a "representative democracy" differ from a direct democracy?

In a "representative democracy", citizens elect officials to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. Direct democracy, on the other hand, allows citizens to vote directly on policies and laws.

What are some of the benefits of a "representative democracy"?

Representative democracies can be more efficient than direct democracies, as elected officials can dedicate more time to researching and debating complex issues. They also allow for greater stability and continuity in government.

What are the key characteristics of "representative government"?

Key characteristics include free and fair elections, the rule of law, protection of civil liberties, and accountability of elected officials to the people.

What is the difference between "representative democracy" and a "republic"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a republic is a broader term referring to a state where power is held by elected representatives. A "representative democracy" is a specific type of republic where the election process is democratic and inclusive.