(a) Define representative democracy.
(b) State three reasons Nigeria adopts representative democracy.
(c) List three factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Explanation
(a) Definition of Representative Democracy;
Representative democracy is a form of government whereby eligible citizens elect their leaders through periodic elections to represent them at all levels of government for a fixed tenure or Representative democracy can be defined as a form of government whereby the people run the government or exercise political power indirectly through their elected representatives.
(b) Reasons Nigeria adopted Representative Democracy
i. Large electorate size due to high population
ii. Large territorial size of the country
iii. Complexity of many political issues
iv. Safeguarding the fundamental human rights of the citizens
v. Promotion of accountability
vi. Expanding scope of modern government for the welfare of citizens
vii. To give voice to the opposition for good governance
viii. Greater political participation
ix. Complex state structure of Nigerian government
x. Desire to protect the interest of the minorities/ethnic diversities
(c) Factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria
i. Electoral malpractice
ii. Political apathy
iii. Biased electoral umpire
iv. High level of illiteracy/ignorance
v. Lack of proper political education
vi. High cost of running democracy
vii. Bribery and corruption
viii. Military intervention in politics
ix. Dictatorial influence of political godfathers/party leaders
x. Inadequate democratic political culture