AP U.S. Government and Politics / Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
1.2 Types of Democracy
Notes
- Participatory: broad direct participation.
- Pluralist: groups compete for influence.
- Elite: a small, educated, wealthy group has outsized influence.
- The Constitution reflects all three (e.g., the Electoral College reflects elite ideas).
Practice
Interest groups competing to shape policy fits:
Group competition.
State ballot initiatives letting citizens vote directly on laws reflect:
Direct involvement.
Federalist No. 10 worries about factions and favors:
Madison.
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