Unit 1.2 Types of Democracy

Anti-Federalists

People opposed to the Constitution who feared a strong national government and preferred more power to be given to the state governments. Demanded a bill of rights added to the Constitution to protect people's individual freedoms.

elite democracy

An upper class elite will hold most of the power and thus in effect run the government. (make most of the decisions)

Federalists

People who support a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority.

Interest group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy.

participatory democracy

A system of government where ordinary citizens rule themselves rather than electing representatives to govern on their behalf. Referendums and initiatives would be examples of this system of government.

pluralist democracy

a model of democracy that stresses vigorous competition among various interests in a free society. These "interest groups" compete in the marketplace e of ideas.

Referendum

a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate