1. AP Gov Review: Video #6, Theories Of Democratic Government
Everything You Need To Know About Theories of Government To Succeed In AP Gov
Pluralism
Traditional
Theory of Democracy
Theories of Republican Government
Elitism
HyperPluralism

2. Theory #1: Traditional Democratic Theory
5 Criteria according to Robert Dahl:
Equality in Voting
Effective Participation
Enlightened Understanding
Citizen Control of the Agenda
Inclusion

3. Theory #1: Traditional Democratic Theory
Other essential elements of Democratic Theory:
Majority rule - policies reflect the beliefs and wishes of the majority (more than 50%)
Restraints on majority - important to keep the majority from limiting the rights of minority groups
Freedom of speech, assembly, etc. even for unpopular views

4. Theory #2: Theory of Republican Government
Republicanism:
Enforces the belief that people have rights that cannot be taken away, or voted away
Encourages good citizenship - “Republican Motherhood”
Republic:
Elected officials represent the citizens of a country
Ideally, elected representatives represent their constituents
Influenced from Ancient Rome
Over US History, more Americans have gained suffrage to participate in electing officials

5. Theory #3: Pluralism What is it?
Belief that groups can influence public policy through organizations
Examples: NRA, NOW, UAW
Access to government is paramount in this theory
If a group can’t influence one area of government, they can try a different avenue
Example: The Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board helped the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s while there was not much legislative success
Pluralists believe that groups CAN influence politics

6. Theory #4: Elitism What is it?
Belief that society is separated between wealthy (elite) and non-wealthy
Not only do the elite influence politics, they make decisions in politics
According to the theory, how are the elite able to influence politics?
By financing campaigns and controlling institutions

7. Theory #5: Hyperpluralism
What is it?
Belief that there are so many groups competing that government is weakened
“Too many cooks in the kitchen”
Can lead to gridlock where little is achieved
Many levels of government in America can make policy difficult to implement
If a group is not successful in Congress, they can delay projects in courts (labor unions, civil rights, businesses taking government agencies)
What is the name of federalism in which both state and federal government share responsibilities?

8. Quick Recap 5 requirements of Democratic Theory
Importance of limits on majority
Republican Theory
Pluralism
Elitism
Hyperpluralism

9. Test Tips Multiple-Choice
Be able to identify characteristics of each theory
Free Response:
Part of interest groups and ways interest groups influence politics (2012)

10. See You Back Here For Unit 2, Video #7: Citizens’ Beliefs About Their Government
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