Glossary
Brutus No. 1
An Anti-Federalist essay arguing against the Constitution, fearing a powerful central government and the potential for elected officials to become an elite class.
Example:
The author of Brutus No. 1 warned that a strong national government could lead to the erosion of individual liberties and state sovereignty.
Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the federal government and guaranteeing citizens' rights.
Example:
The U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of the three branches of government and includes the Bill of Rights.
Direct Democracy
A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies, rather than through elected representatives.
Example:
In some states, citizens can propose and vote on ballot initiatives, which is a form of direct democracy.
Elite Democracy
A model of democracy where a small group of wealthy or influential people hold most of the power and make key decisions.
Example:
Critics might argue that the influence of major campaign donors on political candidates reflects an element of elite democracy in the U.S. system.
Federal Democracy
A system where power is divided between a central government and regional units, such as states or provinces.
Example:
The United States operates as a federal democracy, with powers shared between the national government and individual state governments.
Federalist No. 10
An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can control the negative effects of factions by making it harder for any single group to dominate.
Example:
Madison's argument in Federalist No. 10 suggests that a diverse and extensive nation would prevent any single powerful interest group from completely controlling the government.
Hyperpluralism
A theory that suggests too many strong interest groups vying for influence can make it difficult for the government to make effective policy decisions.
Example:
When numerous powerful lobbying groups block legislative action on a critical issue, it can be seen as an instance of hyperpluralism.
Interest Group
An organized group of individuals who share common goals and try to influence public policy to achieve those goals.
Example:
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a prominent interest group that advocates for gun rights in the United States.
Parliamentary Democracy
A system where the executive branch (Prime Minister) is part of and accountable to the legislative branch.
Example:
In the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers are typically members of Parliament, demonstrating a parliamentary democracy.
Participatory Democracy
A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of citizens in political decisions, often through direct involvement.
Example:
Citizens attending a local town hall meeting to vote on a new school budget exemplify participatory democracy.
Pluralist Democracy
A model of democracy that recognizes diverse interest groups competing for influence, where power is distributed among them rather than concentrated.
Example:
The ongoing debate in Congress over environmental regulations, with various interest groups like the Sierra Club and industry lobbyists advocating their positions, illustrates pluralist democracy.
Pluralist Theory
The idea that political power in a democracy is distributed among many different competing groups, none of which has total control.
Example:
The belief that policy outcomes are a result of bargaining and compromise among various organizations, like labor unions and corporations, aligns with pluralist theory.
Presidential Democracy
A system where the executive branch (President) is separate from the legislative branch, with the President serving as both head of state and head of government.
Example:
The U.S. system, where the President is elected independently of Congress, is a prime example of a presidential democracy.
Representative Democracy
A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf in the government.
Example:
When Americans vote for members of Congress to represent their interests in Washington D.C., they are participating in a representative democracy.