Representative Democracy

• Most universal model
• supporters:
• JS Mill
  
• Edmund burke supports enlightened model of represenation ( our representative have more experienced than us) to take decision.

• 1st theory of representative democracy given by Locke in his 2nd contract(a majoritarian model) as in first contract society is formed.
• models of rep demo:
• majoritarian -  US,UK,India
• Based on concept of ‘winner takes all’
• not representative in true sense and may convert democracy into tyranny of the majority.
• Consosiational model: 
• to avoid tyranny of majority
• follows proportional representation
• Germany,Switzerland
• coalition govt are regular feature.
• models on decision making power of representatives:
• delegate model- locke, bentham:
• govt has no original powers , only delegated powers
• stick to mandate given by people.
• govt is a trust, people are trustees
• enlightened representation model- mill, edmund burke
• Our representatives have more experience than us. Hence must be given autonomy to take decisions.

Critics of rep demo: supporters of direct democracy

1. Rousseau- When legislative functions are assigned to representative institutions, these institutions place self interest over  the interest of the community. To address this, each piece of legislation should be ratified by the community itself
   
2. Gandhi- partyless democracy. Acc to gandhi , pol. Parties bring immorality.he favoured village republics.
3. Mn Roy
   
4. Jp narayan