Questions and Answers
Foundational documents like ____ illustrate the debate over the balance of government power and individual liberties.
the US Constitution, Federalist No. 10, and Brutus No. 1
What is democracy?
A system of government in which the power of the government is vested in the people, who rule directly or through elected representatives.
What is participatory democracy?
A form of democracy that emphasizes broad, direct participation in politics and civil society.
What is pluralist democracy?
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What is elite democracy?
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What is Federalist No. 10 about?
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What does Brutus No. 1 argue?
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What is the Constitution (1787)?
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What is participatory democracy in action?
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What is an example of participatory democracy in the United States today?
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What is pluralist democracy in action?
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What is an example of pluralist democracy in the United States today?
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What is elite democracy in action?
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What is an example of elite democracy today?
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Which model of democracy does Federalist No. 10 describe?
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Which model of democracy does Brutus No. 1 describe?
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Which type of democracy creates the most stable form of government run by the people?
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Study Notes
Types of Democracy
- Foundational documents like the US Constitution, Federalist No. 10, and Brutus No. 1 reflect the debate on balancing central government power with individual liberties.
- Democracy is defined as a system where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Forms of Democracy
- Participatory Democracy: Emphasizes direct involvement in politics, encouraging all citizens to participate actively.
- Pluralist Democracy: Political power is distributed among competing interest groups; no single group can dominate decision-making.
- Elite Democracy: A limited number of wealthy and educated individuals influence decisions, maintaining control over political processes.
Key Essays
- Federalist No. 10: Written by James Madison, argues a strong representative government can manage factions effectively.
- Brutus No. 1: An Anti-Federalist critique cautioning against a strong central government, asserting it may neglect diverse citizen needs.
The Constitution
- Ratified in 1787, it serves as the fundamental legal framework for the United States, resulting from compromises between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Participatory Democracy in Action
- Promoted through mechanisms like referenda, allowing citizens to vote directly on specific laws, embodying the principle of direct citizen engagement in political decisions.
Examples of Pluralist Democracy
- Interest groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Global Green USA, exemplify pluralist democracy by raising funds and influencing politicians, demonstrating the varied interests in policymaking.
Understanding Elite Democracy
- Characterized by decision-making by a small, informed subset of society, typically wealthier and more educated than the general population.
Current Example of Elite Democracy
- The Electoral College illustrates elite democracy, as it can override the popular vote in presidential elections, acting as a check on direct public decisions.
Additional Considerations
- Analyze which model of democracy described in Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 reflects the principles of participatory, pluralist, or elite democracies to understand their implications for governance stability.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the various types of democracy discussed in AP US Government and Politics. Utilizing flashcards, it covers foundational documents and key debates among the Framers regarding the Constitution. Enhance your understanding of democratic principles and their historical context.