Advantages and Disadvantages of Representative Democracy

Within the representative democracy, citizens get to control the government with the use of elected representatives. These representatives are the ones who act on behalf of the people. In regular elections, voters will select the individuals who would represent them.

Representative or indirect democracy can be the best type of government so as to protect human rights and provide people a voice inside the government. In this kind of government, there are different elements that exist within the United States as well as other countries in the world. On the other hand, just any other forms, representative democracy also comes with its own disadvantages. Hence, with advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy, it will be easy for you to determine where you will stand, whether you will be a pro or against of it.

Advantages of Representative Democracy

The Best Devised System
The most significant benefit of representative democracy is the fact that it is the finest system devised that enables the highest number of people inside the population to make participation within their government. This system enables most voices from being heard and displayed in the managing of a country.

Better Citizen Representation
In representative democracy, people are being represented by their elected MP or Member of Parliament, who is capable of placing the views of a constituent to the parliament. With this representation the citizens are capable of making their voices heard in the government. In such a way, if there is anything that people find unfavorably implemented in the laws they could make their stand with the representation of their knowledgeable and skilled MP.

Easy Addressing Of Views and Problems For The People
Another great advantage offered by representative democracy is the fact that an elected MP for the particular area would be conscious about the things, problems that can be enhanced and the thoughts of the constituents inside that town. It only means that the needs of the people could be met in the utmost level.

Disadvantages of Representative Democracy

Domination of the Majority
While majority rule will be the core principle of democracy, the risk always exists that by being free of power restrictions, the majority will oppress minority members. In addition to this, it has also been viewed that democracy will be unable to control the problems of factions.

Short Term Focus
In a representative democracy, citizens get the chance to have their leaders elected for predetermined office terms and get the right to modify them by selecting others in the following election. Regular elections draw short term thinking for elected officials, which lead them to give emphasis on the following election without regard for what the best for the citizens is.

As you may see, there are both advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy. So, make sure to take note of them when wondering whether this form of democracy is useful of not.