J.S. Mill's assertion that representative democracy means 'the people as a body must be able to control the general direction of government policy' encapsulates his nuanced view on popular sovereignty and the role of citizens in governance. Mill, a staunch advocate for individual liberty, recognized the practical impossibility of direct democracy in large, complex societies. He saw representative democracy as the best mechanism to reconcile popular participation with effective governance. However, his vision was not merely about electing representatives; it was about ensuring that these representatives genuinely reflect and respond to the will and interests of the populace.

Mill emphasized the importance of an educated and engaged citizenry, believing that active participation in public affairs was crucial for individual development and societal progress. He argued for proportional representation to ensure minority voices are heard, and for plural voting (though controversial) to give greater weight to more educated citizens, reflecting his concern for the quality of governance. For Mill, the 'control over the general direction' implied not just periodic elections, but also ongoing public discourse, freedom of expression, and the ability of citizens to hold their representatives accountable. This control was essential to prevent the 'tyranny of the majority' and to foster a government that truly serves the collective good while protecting individual liberties. Thus, Mill's concept of representative democracy is a dynamic process of deliberation, representation, and accountability, where the ultimate authority resides with the people, guiding the state's policy trajectory.