The term that describes a political system where decisions are made by elected representatives is called a representative democracy. In this system, citizens elect officials to represent their interests and make policy decisions on their behalf. This form of governance allows for broader participation in the political process, enabling diverse perspectives to shape public policy. Representative democracy contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on issues directly. By delegating decision-making to elected representatives, this system aims to balance efficiency in governance with accountability to the electorate, ensuring that leaders remain responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents.