What is representative government?

 

Learn the difference between straight democracy and representative government -- and where you fit in.


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Representative government is the form of democracy, that as an alternative to "direct democracy" where everyone votes on everything, instead, the people vote for "representatives" (senators, representatives, assembly members) and an "executive" (mayor, governor, president), to join together to run the affairs of government. And, in some states, voters also elect or confirm the appointment of judges.

The house of "Representatives" and "Senators" or "State Assembly" are the people's representatives, who ultimately vote on making laws, etc. 

While most democracies are "representative democracies," many states have an "initiative" process by which certain issues CAN be brought to voters for a direct vote, bypassing the normal channels of representative government. 

In some states like California, very major laws have been enacted by the initative process.

And many states have legalized marijuana via the initiative process, rather than through representative government. 

 





Jurisdictional relevance: US

Legal Consumer - Sandusky County, OHLaw. The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.