What are the advantages and disadvantages of representative democracy?

ADVANTAGE- Representatives have more

experience, knowledge and expertise

DISADVANTAGE- When dominated by parties, representatives may

follow the party line rather than represent their constituents accurately

DISADVANTAGE- It may be difficult to

make representatives accountable between elections

DISADVANTAGE- The idea of the electorate mandate is flawed in that voters are only presented with the

manifesto- the whole of which they must accept or reject- voters cannot express preferences

ADVANTAGE- Different sections of society and various

political causes and beliefs can be well represented by elected representatives

DISADVANTAGE- Representative democracy may result in too much

political conflict and can only be resolved through direct democracy (referendum)

ADVANTAGE- Most people do not have the time to continually be involved in

politics- so they can elect representatives on their behalf

ADVANTAGE- Representatives can be more

rational and less emotional

ADVANTAGE- Representatives can be made accountable for their

decisions- whereas people as a whole cannot

DISADVANTAGE- Representatives may distort the

demands of the people to suit their own political advantage

ADVANTAGE- Representatives can educate the

public about political issues

ADVANTAGE- The demands of people may be unclear- Representatives can

review them and make incoherent demands into coherent political programmers