Reasons for Representative Government

There are many advantages to representative government. Those who support democracies tend to focus on a few basic reasons for their support. Click on the icons below to learn three of these arguments.

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Democratic governments are the fairest way to organize society because everyone has a right to have input in how he or she is ruled. This does not mean that everyone always gets his or her way, but that he or she has a chance to participate in the decision.

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Democracies have the most respect for the law because people are more likely to follow the laws that they had input in creating. Even if they disagree with the law, people will respect the way it was made. They also know that they have a chance to change it.

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Democracies are the wealthiest societies because people will work harder when they have a say in how they are governed. They know that the laws are set up to help them succeed.

• Reflect: Which of these arguments do you agree with? Are you more likely to follow rules when you had input in creating them? Do you work harder? In your notes, write down a brief reflection.