What is the governing system where power is held by elected representatives?

The governing system where power is held by elected representatives is known as Representative Democracy. In this model, citizens have the right to vote for their leaders in free and fair elections, allowing them to choose representatives who reflect their interests and values. These representatives are accountable to the electorate, meaning that they must answer to the people and can be replaced through subsequent elections if they do not fulfill their duties or act in the best interests of their constituents.

This system contrasts with a monarchy, where power is typically inherited rather than elected, and decisions are made by a single ruler or royal family. In a dictatorship, power resides with a single leader or a small group that usually maintains control through force and does not allow for public participation in governance. Authoritarianism, similarly, involves significant central control, often limiting personal freedoms and political pluralism, with no meaningful role for elected representatives. Representative democracy empowers citizens, ensuring their voices are heard through their chosen representatives, making it a cornerstone of democratic governance.