Elite Democracy model

Definition

The Elite Democracy model is a political theory that emphasizes the role of a small, privileged class in the governance process, suggesting that political power and decision-making are primarily in the hands of a select few. This model argues that while broader public participation may exist, the actual influence over policy and governance lies with elites, such as business leaders, political officials, and intellectuals, who make decisions on behalf of the general population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Elite Democracy model posits that ordinary citizens have limited power in influencing major political decisions, as these are typically made by a small group of elites.
2. This model often highlights the role of money in politics, suggesting that wealthy individuals and organizations can exert disproportionate influence over policy outcomes.
3. Critics of elite democracy argue that it undermines true democratic principles by sidelining the voices of the majority and perpetuating inequality in political power.
4. In an elite democracy, elections may still occur, but they are often viewed as mechanisms for legitimizing elite rule rather than genuinely empowering the populace.
5. The Elite Democracy model is often contrasted with participatory democracy, which emphasizes direct involvement of citizens in political decision-making processes.

Review Questions

• How does the Elite Democracy model differ from other democratic models such as pluralism?
  • The Elite Democracy model differs from pluralism primarily in its view of power distribution. While pluralism suggests that multiple groups compete for influence and power, leading to a more balanced representation of interests, elite democracy asserts that a small group of elites predominantly controls political decisions. This means that in an elite democracy, public participation exists but is limited in its actual impact on policy outcomes, unlike pluralism where diverse voices have a chance to shape governance.
• Evaluate the implications of the Elite Democracy model on citizen engagement and voter turnout.
  • The implications of the Elite Democracy model on citizen engagement can be significant. Because this model suggests that real political power lies with elites rather than the general populace, many citizens may feel disillusioned or apathetic about participating in elections or political activities. This can lead to lower voter turnout as individuals perceive their votes as having little impact on the outcome. Consequently, this disengagement can reinforce the dominance of elites and further entrench the existing power dynamics within the political system.
• Synthesize how the presence of interest groups reflects the principles of Elite Democracy within American politics.
  • Interest groups serve as a manifestation of Elite Democracy in American politics by highlighting how organized elites can shape public policy and influence government decisions. These groups often represent powerful economic or social interests and are capable of mobilizing significant resources to advocate for their causes. As they lobby lawmakers and sway public opinion, interest groups can overshadow individual citizens' voices, reinforcing the idea that governance is largely conducted by a select few who hold considerable influence over policy matters. This dynamic illustrates how elite interests can dominate political discourse and decision-making processes.

Related terms

Pluralism:

A political system where multiple groups compete for power and influence, suggesting that no single elite dominates the decision-making process.

Democratic Elitism: A concept that combines elements of both democracy and elite rule, positing that while democracy is necessary for legitimacy, elites are essential for effective governance.

Interest Groups:

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and decision-making on specific issues, often representing elite interests.