Question

How is representative democracy significant in the contemporary world?

Answer 1

In countries we call democracy, all the people do not rule. A majority is allowed to take decisions on behalf of all people. Even the majority does not rule directly. The majority rule through their elected representatives. This has become necessary because:

• Modern democracies involve such large number of people that it is physically impossible for them to sit together and take a collective decision.
• Even if they could, the citizens does not have time, the desire or the skills to take part in all the decisions. That is why, representative democracy is significant in the contemporary world.