Heimler's AP Gove Unit 1.2

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy emphasizing broad participation by citizens, where people vote directly on laws.

Elite Democracy

A model of democracy characterized by limited participation by well-educated and informed elites who govern on behalf of the people.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy focused on group-based activism where non-governmental interests influence decision-making.

Town Hall Meetings

Local political gatherings that exemplify participatory democracy.

Initiative

A process where voters propose a law directly on the ballot.

Referendum

A vote by citizens to overturn laws passed by legislatures.

Electoral College

A mechanism through which the president is elected, where electors rather than the general public cast votes.

NRA

National Rifle Association, an example of an interest group in pluralist democracy advocating for gun rights.

NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization that serves as an interest group in civil rights.

Federalism

The distribution of power between federal and state governments, allowing states to make their own laws.

Brutus 1

A foundational document that favored participatory democracy and expressed fear of a strong central government.

Federalist 10

A foundational document by Madison that defended pluralism, arguing that competition among factions prevents tyranny.

Tension Between Models

The constant conflict in the U.S. government resulting from the combined elements of participatory, elite, and pluralist democracy.