Three models of government

Majoritarian Model Government by the majority of the people through individual votes. “Majority rules.” Elections determine what policy the government will pursue. State referenda, ballot initiatives, recall elections. Requires an informed electorate. Government is responsible to mass public opinion.

Pluralist Model Government by “the people” through competing interest groups. Democracy exists when interest groups use their power to influence the government. Interest groups will influence people to vote in a certain way. Government is responsible to organized groups of citizens. Does not demand much knowledge in general – leaders must be informed, and members will follow.

Elite Theory A small group of people actually makes most of the important government decisions. Those who control key financial, communications, industrial, and government institutions wield the power in America. Vast wealth of corporations allow them to control the government. United States is not a democracy or a republic, but an oligarchy.