Elite and Pluralist Democracy Concepts

The video discusses three types of democracy: participatory, pluralist, and elite. Participatory democracy emphasizes broad citizen involvement, exemplified by state-level initiatives. Pluralist democracy involves organized group activism, with interest groups influencing legislation. Elite democracy limits participation to the educated or wealthy, as seen historically in the U.S. with limited electorates and the electoral college.

What is the primary focus of participatory democracy?

• Direct legislation by citizens

• Broad citizen involvement in politics

• Power concentration among elites

• Group-based activism

Which process is an example of participatory democracy in the United States?

• Congressional lobbying

• Electoral College

• Presidential elections

• State initiative process

What characterizes pluralist democracy?

• Direct citizen voting on laws

• Power held by a small elite

• Organized group activism

• Broad socioeconomic participation

Which of the following is a key feature of pluralist democracy?

• Direct citizen legislation

• Electoral College system

• State-level referendums

• Interest groups lobbying Congress

Which type of democracy involves citizens forming groups to influence political outcomes?

• Elite democracy

• Participatory democracy

• Pluralist democracy

• Direct democracy

What is a defining characteristic of elite democracy?

• Broad citizen participation

• Power concentrated among the educated and wealthy

• Group-based activism

• Direct voting on legislation

How was the U.S. Senate originally chosen, reflecting elite democracy?

• By the Electoral College

• By popular vote

• By state legislatures

• Through a national referendum

Which system in the U.S. is often cited as an example of elite democracy?

• State initiative process

• Electoral College

• Interest group lobbying

• Direct citizen voting

What was the electorate like in the early United States, reflecting elite democracy?

• All citizens could vote

• Only white land-owning males could vote

• Women and minorities could vote

• Voting was based on socioeconomic status

What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. democracy?

• It reflects elite democracy by not relying solely on the popular vote

• It is a form of pluralist democracy

• It is an example of participatory democracy

• It allows direct citizen voting for the president