AP Government Practice Questions: Pluralism and Elitism

📚 Topic Summary

In the realm of US Government, pluralism and elitism represent two contrasting perspectives on power distribution. Pluralism suggests that political power is widely dispersed among various interest groups, ensuring that no single group dominates policy-making. Think of it as a marketplace of ideas where different groups compete and compromise.

Elitism, on the other hand, argues that a small, wealthy, and influential elite controls the levers of power, regardless of formal democratic processes. This perspective suggests that public policy reflects the interests of this elite, not necessarily the will of the majority. Understanding these two perspectives is crucial for analyzing policy outcomes and the dynamics of political influence.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

• 🗳️ Interest Group: A. The ability to influence government policy.
• 💰 Elite: B. A group of people who share common interests and seek to influence government policy.
• 🏛️ Pluralism: C. A theory that political power is distributed among a wide array of diverse and competing interest groups.
• 👑 Power: D. A small group of wealthy and influential people who control political decision-making.
• 🤝 Lobbying: E. Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.

Match the term with the correct definition:

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

_____________ suggests that power is broadly distributed across various groups, preventing any single entity from dominating. In contrast, _____________ posits that a small, privileged class holds the majority of political control. ______________ often involves interest groups attempting to influence policy decisions. These differing perspectives impact how we understand _______________ and the dynamics of political _______________.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Do you believe the US political system is more aligned with pluralism or elitism? Provide specific examples to support your argument. 🌟