The term "representative democracy" signifies a system of government where elected officials act on behalf of the citizens. This model is rooted in the idea that citizens have the power to choose their representatives through free elections, thereby shaping public policy and governance. Representative democracy allows for a diverse set of viewpoints to be considered in decision-making, as elected officials are accountable to their constituents. This system contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on policies themselves. Overall, representative democracy seeks to balance the need for public input with efficient governance.