What ideal does representative democracy embody?

Representative democracy embodies the ideal that citizens actively participate in the political process by electing individuals to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. This system empowers the electorate, allowing them to influence governance and policy through their chosen representatives, thereby ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people.

In this form of governance, representatives are accountable to their constituents, thus fostering a relationship where the public can voice their opinions and concerns during elections. This mechanism helps to balance the complexities of policy-making while still giving citizens a say in how they are governed.

The other choices describe different governance structures that do not align with the principles of representative democracy. For example, elite rule suggests a system where a small group holds power, which can distance decision-making from the general populace. Majoritarian rule without safeguards raises concerns about the rights of minority groups being overlooked. Government control over all decisions implies a lack of individual agency and participation in the democratic process. Thus, the essence of representative democracy lies in the active role of citizens in electing decision-makers.