1.2 - Political Participation and Influence Types

Voting in local, state, and national elections

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

Voting in local, state, and national elections exemplifies participatory democracy, emphasizing broad participation from citizens, which is essential for a representative system.

Giving money to candidates

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Participatory' as it emphasizes broad participation in giving money to candidates, allowing more individuals to engage in the political process.

Giving money to civic groups and interest groups

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Pluralists' because they emphasize access and activism by groups to influence decision making, which aligns with the act of giving money to civic and interest groups.

Becoming a presidential elector that represents the state voters and votes for their party's candidate

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

Becoming a presidential elector involves a selective process, where only certain individuals, often based on qualifications, are chosen to represent voters. This aligns with the elitist perspective of limited participation.

running for office

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Participatory' as it emphasizes broad participation in running for office, allowing diverse voices to engage in the political process, unlike elitist views that limit participation.

Working as a national lobbyist in Washington D.C. and working with members of Congress

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

The role of a national lobbyist involves engaging with Congress to influence policy, which aligns with the pluralist perspective that emphasizes access and activism by groups in decision-making processes.

Paying taxes to support the government's programs

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Participatory' because paying taxes involves broad participation from citizens to support government programs, reflecting a democratic engagement in funding public services.

Formally joining a political party

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

Joining a political party reflects pluralist theory, emphasizing group access and activism to influence decisions. Elitist theory suggests limited participation based on qualifications, which also applies to formal party membership.

Attending presidential caucuses where only party members can vote

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

Caucuses restrict voting to party members, indicating limited participation. This aligns with the elitist perspective, which emphasizes qualifications for participation, unlike broader participatory or pluralist approaches.

Voting rights based on property qualifications

• Participatory:

  broad participation

• Pluralists:

  access and activism by groups to influence decision making

• Elitist:

  Limited participation based on levels of qualifications

Answer explanation

Voting rights based on property qualifications reflect an elitist perspective, as they limit participation to those who meet certain property criteria, thereby restricting access to a broader population.