Question

Answer the following in detail with reference to the given points.

What is meant by representation? Explain the various methods of the representation?

1. meaning
2. electoral
3. non-electoral
4. non-official

Answer 1

1. Meaning - The concept of representation is important in any democracy. ' Today, most countries have large territory and population. Hence, direct democracy is not possible. The form of democracy today is indirect democracy or representative democracy. People elect representatives among themselves to govern the country for e.g., in India, Members of Parliament (MP's), Members of State Legislative Assemblies/Councils (MLA's, MLC's), of corporations, etc., are all our representatives.
2. Electoral Method - Persons are directly or indirectly elected by the citizens to govern them as members of representative assemblies e.g., General elections to Lok Sabha, Assembly elections.
3. Non-electoral Method - Representatives occupy their position though nomination or appointment for e.g., President of India appoints 12 Members to the Rajya Sabha.
4. Non-official Method - Civil society represents the people through various pressure groups like trade unions, student groups, peasant organisations.