How does representative government differ from other forms of government?

Representative government differs from other forms of government by allowing citizens to elect officials who make decisions on their behalf, rather than having those decisions made by a single ruler or a small group. This system promotes accountability and responsiveness to the electorate, as representatives must consider the needs and preferences of their constituents to secure re-election. In contrast, forms like autocracy or oligarchy concentrate power in the hands of few, limiting public participation and input in governance. Overall, representative government emphasizes democratic principles and individual rights more than other governance models.