Final answer:
A form of government in which people rule indirectly through elected representatives is called a representative democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a representative democracy, the power to make decisions on behalf of the people is delegated to elected representatives. This system allows citizens to participate in the governance process by selecting individuals to represent their interests in legislative bodies. The elected representatives, in turn, make decisions and create policies that reflect the will and preferences of the electorate.
Representative democracy serves as a practical and scalable model for large and diverse societies, where direct participation of every citizen in decision-making may be impractical. Through regular elections, the people have the opportunity to hold their representatives accountable and influence the direction of the government.
The concept of representative democracy traces its roots to ancient civilizations, but its modern implementation has evolved to incorporate principles of equality, inclusivity, and protection of individual rights. This form of governance emphasizes the importance of balancing the will of the majority with the protection of minority rights, fostering a system that aims to serve the collective interests of the population.