Chapter 2 - Majoritarian or Pluralist Democracy?

Vocabulary flashcards covering procedural vs. substantive democracy, majoritarian vs. pluralist theories, elite theory, and key historical examples from U.S. democracy.

Democracy

A system of government in which the people participate in decision-making, typically through elections; can be analyzed via procedural or substantive criteria.

Procedural democracy

Focus on the processes and rules for making decisions (participation, voting rules, majority rule).

Substantive democracy

Focus on the outcomes and policies regarding individual liberties and rights.

Universal participation

The principle that all eligible individuals should participate in decision-making.

Political equality

The idea that each participant’s vote should carry equal weight.

Majority rule

A decision is determined by the option receiving the most votes.

Republic (indirect democracy)

A system where citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf; leaders should be responsive to the people.

Responsiveness

The expectation that elected leaders follow the preferences of the people when making laws.

Majoritarian model

A procedural democracy theory where government is by the majority; emphasizes elections, parties, and centralized government.

Pluralist model

A procedural democracy theory in which governance occurs through competing interest groups; decentralized and minority interests can influence policy.

Centralized government

Power is concentrated at the national level rather than local levels.

Decentralized government

Power is dispersed among multiple levels (national, state, local) allowing local influence.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Separation of powers

Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power.

Elite theory

A theory that a small, wealthy group controls major governmental decisions to serve its interests.

Oligarchy

Rule by a small, powerful group; an extreme form of elite influence.

3/5 Compromise

Constitutional provision counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Jim Crow laws

State laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Same-sex marriage bans

Voter-approved constitutional amendments or laws banning same-sex marriage (noted in 2006 ballots and related state actions).

Factions

Groups with shared interests; Madison argued their competition can reflect citizens’ policy needs.

Biased pluralism

The claim that pluralism may favor well-organized or wealthy groups, biasing policy outcomes.

Civil liberties

Individual rights protected from government intrusion (e.g., free speech, freedom of religion).

Civil rights

Legal protections against discrimination and equal treatment under the law.

Procedural–substantive tension

The idea that strong procedural rules can sometimes produce policies that oppress minorities or violate substantive rights.