(a) What is a representative government. (b) (i) State two features of a representative government. (ii) Outline three conditions necessary for a representa...

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of representative government

A representative government is a system of government in which the people do not rule directly but elect representatives who make laws and take decisions on their behalf. Because it is impossible for all citizens in a large modern state to gather and govern themselves, they periodically choose, through free elections, a smaller body of persons to exercise governmental power in their name and interest. The representatives are accountable to the electorate and can be voted out at the next election. It is therefore a form of indirect democracy.

(b)(i) Two features of a representative government

• Representatives are chosen through periodic free and fair elections based on universal adult suffrage.
• The elected representatives are accountable and responsible to the people who can remove them at the next election.

(b)(ii) Three conditions necessary for a representative government

1. Regular free and fair elections: There must be periodic, honest elections conducted by an independent electoral body so that the choice of representatives reflects the true wishes of the people.
2. Existence of political parties and freedom of association: Two or more political parties should be free to organise, campaign and offer the electorate a genuine choice of candidates and programmes.
3. Fundamental human rights and freedom of expression: Citizens must enjoy freedom of speech, the press and assembly so that they can debate issues, criticise the government and make informed choices.
4. An enlightened and literate electorate: The people should be sufficiently educated and politically conscious to choose their representatives wisely and hold them accountable.
5. Rule of law and an independent judiciary: The law must be supreme and disputes, including electoral ones, settled fairly by impartial courts.