AP US Government Types of Democracy

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?

A form of democracy in which political power rests with competing interest groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is elite democracy?

A form of democracy in which a small number of people influence political decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What is Federalist No. 10 about?

An essay by James Madison arguing that a strong representative government can control the effects of factions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus No. 1 argue?

An Anti-Federalist essay arguing against a strong central government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Constitution (1787)?

The fundamental laws and principles that govern the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What is participatory democracy in action?

The idea that everyone should be involved in politics, emphasizing broad participation. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of participatory democracy in the United States today?

The use of referenda in some states. Signup and view all the answers

What is pluralist democracy in action?

The idea that policymaking is open to many groups with different interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of pluralist democracy in the United States today?

The participation of interest groups like the National Rifle Association and Global Green USA. Signup and view all the answers

What is elite democracy in action?

A form of democracy where a small subset of citizens makes political decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of elite democracy today?

The Electoral College. Signup and view all the answers

Which model of democracy does Federalist No. 10 describe?

Representative democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which model of democracy does Brutus No. 1 describe?

Participatory democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of democracy creates the most stable form of government run by the people?

This is subjective and can vary based on individual beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

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.