Representative Government

Definition

Representative government is a political system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This system emphasizes the importance of popular sovereignty and accountability, allowing individuals to have a voice in governance while entrusting elected officials with the authority to act in their best interests. The emergence of representative government during the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism highlights the tension between monarchical power and the growing demand for political participation and civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The idea of representative government gained traction during the 17th and 18th centuries as Enlightenment thinkers advocated for individual rights and limited governmental power.
2. Key events, such as the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, played significant roles in shaping early models of representative government by challenging absolute monarchy.
3. The establishment of parliaments in countries like England created platforms for elected officials to represent the interests of their constituents.
4. In contrast to absolute monarchies, representative governments aimed to distribute political power more broadly among the populace, leading to an increase in civic engagement.
5. The American Revolution was influenced by principles of representative government, resulting in a constitutional framework that emphasized democracy and individual rights.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the development of representative government during the Age of Absolutism?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu challenged traditional notions of absolute monarchy by promoting ideas of individual rights, social contracts, and separation of powers. Their philosophies encouraged citizens to demand greater political participation and accountability from their rulers, ultimately leading to movements that sought to establish representative governments. This shift reflected a growing belief that legitimate authority comes from the consent of the governed rather than divine right.
• Evaluate the impact of events like the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution on the establishment of representative government in England.
  • The English Civil War led to a significant confrontation between Parliament and King Charles I, ultimately resulting in a temporary republican regime under Oliver Cromwell. The subsequent Glorious Revolution further solidified parliamentary power by establishing constitutional monarchy with William and Mary, who accepted the Bill of Rights. These events shifted power dynamics away from absolute monarchy toward a system where elected representatives held substantial authority, paving the way for modern democracy.
• Assess how the principles of representative government were exemplified in the American Revolution and its aftermath.
  • The American Revolution was fundamentally rooted in principles of representative government, as colonists sought independence from British rule due to perceived injustices stemming from lack of representation. The newly formed United States implemented a constitution that established a republic with elected representatives accountable to the populace. This model not only inspired democratic ideals globally but also showcased how representative governance could challenge imperial authority, laying the groundwork for future democratic movements worldwide.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, often including a parliament that represents the people.

Social Contract: A philosophical concept that suggests individuals consent to surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights, often forming the basis for representative government.

Parliamentary System: A democratic governance system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature (parliament), which is elected by the public.