Models of Representative Democracy

Vocabulary

Model of Democracy Definition
Democracy A system of government in which the power of the government is vested in the people, who rule directly or through elected representatives.
Elite Democracy A form of democracy in which a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision-making.
Participatory Democracy A form of democracy that emphasizes broad, direct participation in politics and civil society, in which most or all citizens participate in politics directly.
Pluralist Democracy A form of democracy in which political power rests with competing interest groups so that no one group dominates political decisions.

As you watch the video clips, identify which Model of Democracy is being shown and support your answer.

Video Clips Type of Democracy Explanation
Electoral College: Electors ELITE The electors are getting voted in
Climate Leadership Council PLURALIST There’s a group of people who vote.
The Future of American Democracy PARTICIPATORY People can vote on making laws.
Superdelegates PLURALIST The delegates are there to provide their opinions on issues; a 700 people groups that represent different interests.
James Madison and Factions PLURALIST A preaching of Madison’s ideas, the speaker mentioned the Federalist papers which were a group that supported Pluralist ideals.

Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.

We see all the groups of democracy in our government. For instance, we see elite democracy in the Electoral College, we see pluralism in our branch system, and we see participatory democracy in voted issues. This proves that we see all the types by giving an example for just the systems related to the president, there’s many other examples past the president but by proving it true by just one aspect we can see that it runs throughout the government.