Which statement defines representative democracy (indirect democracy)?

• A. People vote directly on every law in a referendum
• B. The monarchy makes policy decisions
• C. People vote for elected representatives to debate and vote on laws on their behalf
• D. The judiciary interprets laws without elections

Answer: (C)

Representative democracy is a system where citizens elect individuals to represent them in decision-making. These representatives debate, draft, and vote on laws in a legislature on behalf of the people. Elections provide accountability, allowing the public to choose different leaders if they are unhappy with how issues are handled.

This distinguishes it from direct democracy, where people vote on each law themselves. It also differs from a monarchy, where policy is made by a monarch or ruling family, and from the judiciary, which interprets and applies laws rather than making them through elected representation.