Which of the following theories holds that society is really ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest? Pluralistic theory Personality theory Majoritarian theory Interest group theory
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Step 1: The theory that holds that society is really ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest is called the **elite theory**. Show more…
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Hoan N.
Elitist, Pluralist, or Majoritarian "The flaw in the pluralist heaven is that the heavenly chorus sings with a strong upper-class accent." — E. E. Schattschneider "All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable . . ." — Thomas Jefferson "[This]conception of society, therefore, sees a vast profusion of group interests represented and embodied by political groups, none of which has the power to prevail over the rest." — Michael Foley "Interest groups disproportionately represent people and corporations that can afford to meet the cost of organized persuasion." — Charles Lindblom
Akash M.
There are two contrasting views or models of power in the US political system: 1) stresses government by the people, which is also referred to by the term pluralist and 2) government by the law or by the few and is also known as the elite model. The pluralist model argues that because many competing groups are attempting to influence policy on different issues, it is unlikely any one group will exert too much influence on its own. Considering sociological theory, this is a structural-functionalist perspective or approach. Conversely, the elite model argues that a relatively small number of elites have the greatest influence on the full range of US politics and social issues. And sociological theory refers to this as the social-conflict perspective or approach. After viewing the film and reading the explanation above, as well as your reading of course materials for this module and any other outside sources you choose, answer the following question: Identify and analyze which of these two political system models influences the US economy more - the pluralist model or the elite model. Then, evaluate and explain your reasoning for the selection you have made.
Alexander B.
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