AP Gov - 1.2 terms

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy where people vote directly for laws and other matters instead of voting for representatives to vote on their behalf; also known as direct democracy.

Pluralist Democracy

Theory that democracy can be achieved through competition among multiple organized groups and that individuals can participate in politics through group memberships and elections.

Hyper-Pluralism

A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. Extreme and exaggerated pluralism. This theory can lead to gridlock within government dealings.

Elite Democracy

Elected representatives make decisions and act as trustees for the people who elected them; recognizes an inequity in the spread of power among the populace and that the powerful people with resources and influence usually dominate the political landscape.