Which type of democracy involves the election of representatives?

The type of democracy that involves the election of representatives is referred to as indirect democracy. In this system, citizens vote for representatives who then make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This model is prevalent in contemporary democracies, as it allows for a more manageable governance structure, especially in larger societies where direct participation of all citizens in every decision is impractical.

While representative democracy and indirect democracy often describe the same system, the term "indirect democracy" specifically emphasizes the mechanism of electing representatives to make choices for the populace, highlighting the indirect nature of citizens' influence on legislation through their elected officials. This form of democracy contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens participate directly in decision-making, and participatory democracy, which focuses on broad participation in political processes beyond just voting.