Representative government is alternatively called "indirect democracy". This is because in a representative government, the people do not make laws and decisions directly themselves. Instead, they elect representatives who make decisions and laws on their behalf. This is different from "classical democracy", where people participate directly in making laws and decisions. "Rule of law" refers to the principle that everyone, including the government, is subject to the same laws. "Separation of powers" refers to the division of government into different branches with different responsibilities and powers.