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Questions and Answers
What does traditional democratic theory state?
What does traditional democratic theory state?
Government depends upon the consent of the governed
What is pluralist theory?
What is pluralist theory?
A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies.
What does elite theory contend?
What does elite theory contend?
A theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization.
What is the bureaucratic theory?
What is the bureaucratic theory?
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What does hyperpluralism suggest?
What does hyperpluralism suggest?
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Study Notes
Theories of Democratic Government
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Traditional Democratic Theory: Asserts that legitimate government authority stems from the consent of the people, emphasizing the principle of popular sovereignty.
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Pluralist Theory: Highlights a political landscape where multiple interest groups compete for influence and policy advantages, suggesting that this competition leads to compromise and representation.
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Elite Theory: Argues that a small, upper-class elite exercises power and control over society, shaping policy and governance despite democratic frameworks.
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Bureaucratic Theory: Proposed by Max Weber, this theory posits that the formal hierarchy and standardized procedures within government bureaucracies result in bureaucrats wielding real authority over public policy decisions.
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Hyperpluralism: Claims that the proliferation of strong interest groups can lead to governmental paralysis, where the excessive influence of these groups weakens overall government effectiveness and decision-making.
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Description
This quiz consists of flashcards covering key theories of democratic government, including traditional democratic theory, pluralist theory, and elite theory. Each card presents a definition to enhance your understanding of these concepts and their implications in politics.
