Chapter 1.2 Flashcards
How are models of representative democracy visible in US institutions, policies, events, and debates?
What type of democracy is the United States?
Representative democracy
Participatory Democracy
Citizens vote for the laws directly. Needs most of the people to vote for this to work. Harder with lots of people.
Pluralist Democracy
People form interest groups and try to influence policy makers to pass laws they like. (factions) Limited influence in US government.
Elite Democracy
The people elect people to make decisions. People with more money and resources are more likely to be chosen.
State Law VS. Federal Law
Federal Law wins
Federalists
People who supported a strong federal government and the Constitution.
Federalist Papers
Papers supporting the Constitution.
Who wrote the Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the name “Publicis.”
How many Federalist Papers are there?
85 essays
Federalist No. 10
The Constitution has a balance between too many and too few electors. People’s interests are respected in every government level.
Anti-Federalists
Opposed the Constitution and ratification. Didn’t want to link together the states under a strong federal government.
Brutus Essays
Written by the Anti-Federalists opposing the Constitution.
How many Brutus Essays where there?
16 essays
Brutus No. 1
People have to agree to government’s laws. It is hard to have representation in a large country.
Examples of Participatory Democracy
State/Local Ballots - get something on the ballot for people to vote on (majority rules)
Referendum - people can vote against laws made
Examples of Pluralist Democracy
Groups endorse candidates for elections.
Sending people to testify at Congressional hearings.
NAACP, NOW, AFL-CIO, NRA.
Examples of Elitism in Government
People with more resources, money, and education do better than the less privileged and are heard more.
Political leaders are typically better off.
