A representative democracy is a system of government where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. This allows for a more efficient decision-making process, as elected representatives can dedicate their time to understanding complex issues and creating laws. Voters typically choose representatives during regular elections, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people. In a representative democracy, the elected officials are accountable to their constituents, meaning they must consider the needs and opinions of the people they represent. This system is common in many countries, including the United States and India, where various levels of government operate under this democratic framework.