Theory question 103
Democracy and Representative Government(a) What is a representative government?
(b)(i) State two features of a representative government.
(ii) Outline three conditions necessary for a representative government.
Show the model answer
(a) A government in which the people rule through representatives they freely elect at regular intervals, who make decisions on their behalf and are accountable to them.
(b)(i) Any two: periodic free elections; universal adult suffrage; representatives accountable to the electorate; more than one party/opposition; rule of law; elected legislature.
(ii) Any three: an independent electoral body; universal adult suffrage and a proper voters' register; free and fair elections (secret ballot); freedom of speech, press and association; existence of political parties; independent judiciary/rule of law; politically educated citizens.
Keep features (what it looks like) separate from conditions (what it needs).