Democracy And Participation- Pluralism And Democracy

Question 1

Pluralist democracy

Answer 1

A political system and/ or society where there is widespread acceptance or ‘tolerance’ of different groups and lifestyles, where freedom of expression and association are respected, where many parties and pressure groups may operate and where there are independent media The term also implies that power is dispersed and not concentrated.

Question 2

The term ‘pluralism’ or ‘pluralist democracy’ implies the following aspects of a society and a political system:

Answer 2

+ Power and influence are widely dispersed among the people and among sections of society — power is not excessively concentrated in a few hands.

+ There is tolerance, both legal and cultural, of a wide range of minorities, political beliefs, religions, lifestyles and cultures.

+ Political parties are free to operate and campaign and there are many parties which citizens may choose to support.

+ Pressure groups and campaign groups are tolerated and allowed to operate freely.

+ There is a range of sources of independent information, news and opinion available to the people without interference by the state.