Political Pluralism In The USA

Question 1

What is political pluralism?

Answer 1

-many voices are heard in society
-benefit of having different views represented in decision-making by PGs
-wider participation = more representation

Question 2

How is pluralism referenced in the constitution?

Answer 2

-first amendment ‘the right of the people peaceably to assemble’
-freedom of association gives PGs constitutional right to exist to influence those in power

Question 3

How do US PGs deliver political pluralism?

Answer 3

-inducing politicians take account of broad range ideas
-but ideas may pit different PGs against each other e.g. Americans United for Life against abortion opposed to aims of pro-choice Planned Parenthood

Question 4

What do pluralists argue about this disagreement?

Answer 4

-healthy for democracy as allows people + gov hear both sides of argument
-PGs provide broader opportunities for political participation than political parties

Question 5

How can PGs be seen to provide more political participation than political parties?

Answer 5

-development in US society like racial desegregation + legalisation of abortion not happened without work of PGs

Question 6

What is elitist theory?

Answer 6

-societal affairs best handled by small subset of society’s members

Question 7

How is are elitist theorites critical of role PGs play in USA?

Answer 7

-wealthy PGs spend heavily on advertising, legal challenged, professional lobbyists + electoral campaign spending - more influence than poorly resources groups
-US run by powerful elite

Question 8

How is this assumption by elitist theorites true?

Answer 8

-some best funded groups prevented change that majority supports
-e.g. NRA successful resisting introduction of restrictive gun laws 2020 which many support following mass school shootings