Representative Democracy

Representative Democracy

A system in which the electorate chooses officials to put forward their beliefs in parliament through the process of elections

• Representatives in these systems are often organised into parties

Key Features of Representative Democracy

• Voting for a representative to stand up for their beliefs in Parliament

• Citizens pass their authority to representatives

• Elections are fair and representative

Examples of Representative Democracy

UK - many different forms

• FPTP

• STV

• SV

• AV

Advantages of Representative Democracy

• Creates division of labour

• Creates a stable government

• Efficient

• Ensures protection of minority rights

• Compromise: less division more stable

Disadvantages of Representative Democracy

• Wasted votes

• Winners’ bonus

• Third party discrimination

• Gulf between political class/representative and citizen

• Creates apathy

• Citizens are able to switch off from politics - pass responsibility over