representative government

[/ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv ˈɡʌvərnmənt/]
nounpl: representative governments
governo representativo
1. A system of government in which power is held by the people through their elected representatives
The United States operates under a representative government where citizens vote for senators and congressmen.
Os Estados Unidos funcionam sob um governo representativo onde os cidadãos votam em senadores e congressistas.
2. A form of democracy where officials are elected to make decisions and laws on behalf of the constituents
Representative government ensures that all citizens have a voice in legislative decisions even if they do not directly participate.
O governo representativo garante que todos os cidadãos tenham voz nas decisões legislativas mesmo que não participem diretamente.
Representative government is a cornerstone of both Brazilian and American democratic systems. In Brazil, this principle is enshrined in the 1988 Constitution. In the USA, it is fundamental to the founding principles outlined in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The concept emphasizes that government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed through regular elections.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
representative democracyindirect democracyrepublicdemocratic governmentparliamentary government
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct democracyautocracydictatorshipmonarchyabsolute government

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
governo representativo
Standard usage in Brazilian political discourse
São Paulo
governo representativo
Common in formal and political contexts
Portugal
governo representativo
Used in formal political and academic contexts; often referred to as 'democracia representativa'
United States
representative government
Fundamental principle of US constitutional democracy

Related Words

elected representativesconstituentslegislaturesuffragevoting rightsdelegation of power

Related Idioms & Phrases

government of the people, by the people, for the people
checks and balances
separation of powers
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