What political system allows citizens to elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf?

The political system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf is known as a republic. In a republic, elected officials represent the interests and will of the people, facilitating a form of governance that relies on the consent of the governed. This system embodies principles such as democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, where representatives are accountable to the electorate and must act in accordance with the populace's preferences.

The concept of representative democracy is central to a republic, distinguishing it from other forms of governance. In contrast, monarchy typically involves a hereditary ruler and does not necessarily include elected representation. Dictatorships centralize power in an individual or a small clique, leaving little to no room for public decision-making or electoral processes. Anarchy represents a lack of formal governance structures and does not incorporate a system for electing representatives. Thus, in a republic, the mechanism of electing representatives establishes a direct link between the authority of government and the sovereignty of the citizenry, ensuring that the decisions made reflect the collective interests of the people.