Political Science 105: Elite Theory

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of Democracy?

A form of government by popular participation in the allocation of values in a society. (correct)

An approach to describe society focusing on the few with power.

A petition for an election to remove an official from office.

A political model that views power as concentrated in the hands of few.

What is the term for the few in any organization/society who have power?

Elites

What does elite distemper refer to?

The condition when elites act in a self-serving manner, weakening faith in democracy.

What approach does elite theory (elitism) describe?

An approach focusing on the few with power, their values, behavior, and demographics. Signup and view all the answers

What does equality before the law signify?

The theory that the law should treat all fairly without advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of equality of opportunity?

The idea that each person should have an equal chance to develop their capacities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initiative in political terms?

An electoral device through which voters can place measures on the ballot. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Iron Law of Oligarchy state?

Elites are inevitable in any political system. Signup and view all the answers

Who are referred to as the masses?

The many in an organization who do not hold power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Plural Elite Model?

A political model that views power as widely shared among leadership groups. Signup and view all the answers

What does pluralism in politics mean?

An approach based on competing elites determining public policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of power?

The ability to influence people or events by granting and obtaining valuable resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does recall mean in a political context?

A petition for an election to decide the removal of an official from office. Signup and view all the answers

What is a referendum?

An electoral device requiring electorate approval of legislative decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is relative autonomy of elites?

The theory that each segment of the elite is relatively independent. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ruling elite model suggest?

Power is concentrated in the hands of relatively few people. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Articles of Confederation?

A treaty between American states effective from 1781 to 1789. Signup and view all the answers

What do checks and balances refer to?

A political system in which power is distributed among various government levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is classical conservatism?

A worldview that relies on tradition and sees human nature as flawed. Signup and view all the answers

What does classical liberalism promote?

Society is created by a social contract among rational individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is common law?

The British approach to a legal system built on precedents. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

The agreement for equal state representation in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Political Science: Elite Theory

Democracy: A system of government where power is derived from the participation of the populace in value allocation within a society.
Elites: A small, influential group within any organization or society that possesses considerable power.
Elite Distemper: A state where elites act in self-interest, undermining trust in the democratic process.
Elite Theory (Elitism): A perspective that emphasizes the roles, behavior, and demographics of the elite minority in society.
Equality Before the Law: The principle that the law should impartially treat all individuals, regardless of their social status, economic background, beliefs, or race.
Equality of Opportunity: The belief that every individual should have a fair chance to fully develop their abilities in all life aspects, including social, economic, political, and educational spheres.
Initiative: A mechanism allowing voters to propose legislation through a petition, enabling them to place issues on the ballot without legislative approval.
Iron Law of Oligarchy: A foundational theory in political science asserting that elite groups will emerge in any societal structure, regardless of its size or nature.
Masses: The larger group within an organization that lacks power compared to the elite.
Plural Elite Model: A framework that suggests power is widely distributed across leadership groups that represent diverse societal segments, responsible to the electorate through competition and accountability.
Pluralism: The notion that democracy thrives in a political landscape where competing elites shape public policy through negotiation and compromise, while voters can make meaningful electoral choices.
Power: Defined as the capacity to direct influence over people or events by controlling valuable resources.
Recall: A procedure allowing voters to petition for a vote on whether an incumbent should be removed from office before their term ends.
Referendum: A voting process where the electorate must approve legislative decisions before they become law or constitutional amendments.
Relative Autonomy of Elites: The idea that different elite groups operate independently to pursue their own specific interests.
Ruling Elite Model: A political structure where decision-making power is predominantly held by a small elite, with minimal influence from the masses.
Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, which established a loose alliance of independent states from 1781 to 1789.
Checks and Balances: A governance principle that distributes power among various government branches, requiring consensus to limit corruption.
Classical Conservatism: A worldview emphasizing tradition and the flawed nature of humanity, which necessitates political structures to prevent potential failures.
Classical Liberalism: An ideology based on a social contract formed by rational individuals who sacrifice some freedoms for enhanced security.
Common Law: The British legal system founded on historical precedents rather than solely contemporary legislation.
Connecticut Compromise: An agreement during the U.S. Constitution formulation ensuring equal state representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House of Representatives.
Judicial Review: The judicial system's authority to review and invalidate legislation or executive actions that are unconstitutional.

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Explore the key concepts of Elite Theory and its implications for democracy through these flashcards. Understand the roles of elites in society and how their actions can impact democratic values and participation. Test your knowledge on terms like democracy, elites, and elite distemper.