Topic 1.2: Types of Democracy

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing broad, direct involvement by individual citizens in political decision-making and civil society.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where non-governmental interest groups compete to shape policy through bargaining and ocmpromise.

Elite Democracy

Policy decisions are made by a small group of wealthy, educated, or highly influential individuals.

Electoral College

The constitutional body that formally elects the U.S. President, reflecting elite democracy by filtering direct popular votes.

Federalist No. 10

Foundational essay by James Madison arguing that a large representative republic best controls the dangers of political factions.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist essay arguing that a large central republic would distance rulers from citizens and erode individual liberty.

Faction

Group of citizens united by a common interest or passion that is opposed to the rights of others or the interests on the community.

Referendum and Initiative

State-level electoral processes allowing citizens to vote directly on legislation or amendments, illustrating participatory democracy.

Hyper pluralism

A political condition where interest groups become so strong competing that government is rendered gridlock and ineffective.