Which form of government is defined by citizens electing representatives to govern on their behalf?

• A. Direct democracy.
• B. Republicanism.
• C. Federalism.
• D. Monarchy.

Answer: (B)

Republicanism means citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf. This setup lets people choose trusted decision-makers who can govern with longer-term view and expertise, while still holding them accountable through elections and the rule of law. It differs from direct democracy, where people vote on laws themselves; from federalism, which is about how power is shared between national and state governments; and from monarchy, which is rule by a king or queen. The description matches republicanism because it focuses on governance by elected representatives acting for the people.