1.2: Types of Democracy

Question 1

Representative Democracy

Answer 1

A political system wherein citizens vote for representatives to handle matters of legislation and governance.

Question 2

Pluralist Democracy

Answer 2

Particular emphasis is placed on group-based activism by non-governmental interest groups that seek to influence political decision-making.
Lobbying has entered the chat.
Seek to garner traction for their cause through persuasion and private investment.
Ex: NAACP, NRA, etc.

Question 3

Participatory Democracy

Answer 3

There is particular emphasis placed on broad participation in politics and civil society.
Seeks to bring as many people to the “democracy” table as possible.
Citizens can vote directly on legislation.
Ex: Initiatives & Referendums
Writers of the Constitution rejected this type of democracy, and deemed its execution improbable.

Question 4

Elitist Democracy

Answer 4

Particular emphasis is placed on the limited participation of a few, well-educated, and informed statespeople who make laws on behalf of the people.
Complexity warrants specialization.
Limits unwanted policy decisions.
Ex: Electoral College & Justices

Question 5

Statesperson

Answer 5

wise and respected political leader