Pluralist Theory, Elite Theory and the Workings of U.S. Democracy

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Pluralist Theory, Elite Theory and the Workings
of U.S. Democracy

• By Shane Ralston

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Pluralist Theory of Politics

• Political pluralism df.
• James Madison Fed. 10
• Robert Dahl Who Governs?

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Elite Theory of Politics

• Power Elite df.
• Robert Michels Iron Law of Oligarchy
• Bachrach and Baratz Two Faces of Power

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Implications for U.S. Democracy

• Government for/by the many vs. government for/by
  the few
• Functioning system of checks/balances vs. unitary
  executive
• Deliberative democracy vs. elite democracy