What is another name for Indirect/Representative Democracy?

Indirect or representative democracy is often referred to as a republic. In this system, citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf, embodying the principles of democratic governance while allowing for a more manageable and efficient government structure. In a republic, the rule of law is also emphasized, meaning that the government’s power is restricted by a constitution or similar foundational document, which protects individual rights and limits governmental authority.

Other terms like federation, direct democracy, and oligarchy refer to different concepts. A federation describes a political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states. Direct democracy, on the other hand, involves citizens making decisions themselves rather than through elected representatives. Lastly, an oligarchy signifies a system where a small group of people holds significant power, which contrasts sharply with the broader participation characteristic of a republic.