Chapter 2 Vocabulary: Majoritarian or Pluralistic Democracy?

Vocabulary flashcards for AP Government Chapter 2 (Majoritarian vs. Pluralistic Democracy).

AUTOCRACY

A system of government in which a single ruler holds absolute power.

OLIGARCHY

Rule by a small group of people who control political decision-making.

DEMOCRACY

A system of government in which the people hold sovereign power either directly or through elected representatives.

PROCEDURAL DEMOCRATIC THEORY

A theory that emphasizes the rules and procedures (elections, participation) that determine how decisions are made.

UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION

The principle that all eligible citizens should have the opportunity to participate in politics.

POLITICAL EQUALITY

Equality of political rights and opportunities, including equal influence on policy.

MAJORITY RULE

Policy decisions are determined by the preference of the majority.

PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

A model that emphasizes broad citizen participation in decision-making.

E-GOVERNMENT

The use of information and communication technologies to deliver government services and engage citizens.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

Citizens elect representatives to make policy decisions on their behalf.

RESPONSIVENESS

The degree to which government responds to citizen preferences.

SUBSTANTIVE DEMOCRATIC THEORY

A theory focusing on whether outcomes protect rights and liberties, not just procedures.

MINORITY RIGHTS

Legal protections ensuring minority groups have rights and are not oppressed by the majority.

MAJORITARIAN MODEL OF DEMOCRACY

A model in which policy reflects the preferences of the majority.

INTEREST GROUP

An organized group seeking to influence public policy and outcomes.

PLURALIST MODEL OF DEMOCRACY

A theory where many groups compete to influence policy, preventing any single group from dominating.

ELITE THEORY

The view that a small, cohesive elite holds most political power.

DEMOCRATIZATION

The process of moving toward a more democratic political system.