Unit 04: Pluralism and Public Choice

Question 1

Pluralism

Answer 1

Emphasizes the role of groups, organizations, and unions in the political process. Public policy and decision-making cannot be completed as a whole or by individual input, but rather the collection of different inputs from smaller groups.

Question 2

5 main characteristics of pluralism

Answer 2

Choice: allows these organizations to pursue different interests at the same time

Formality: Groups usually operate informally and have a permanent involvement in policy-making.

Collectivism: Pluralist groups tend to exert strong collective sentiments which then enables them to exert a strong influence over government

Role of state: pluralism depends on the role of civil society more so than the state. In these cases, civil society usually tends to dominate its involvement in policy-making procedures.

Competition: The emphasis is always competition or the ability for organizations to compete within a society with minimum state intervention.

Question 3

Public Choice Theory

Answer 3

An economical approach to understanding public policy and decision-making procedures, specifically a more microeconomic theoretical approach.

The focus of this theory is more on the individual and the decisions these individuals make, whether it is for self-interested or altruistic reasons.

Question 4

Dynamic Theories

Answer 4

Evaluate the policy-making process on a more competitive scale.

For example, those that have more influence in a competitive environment, such as advocacy and interest groups, tend to be categorized as pluralistic.

Question 5

Globalization

Answer 5

A complex process of interconnectedness that has changed the context in which states operate:

• Integration of economies in global production networks
• Movement of peoples
• Proliferation of global communication technology
• Recognition of global problems