Models of Democracy
Relationships between mass and elites

Elite Model

  • "Iron Law of Oligarchy"
  • Policy is result of decisions made by political elites
  • Elites have little accountability to masses

Pluralist Model

  • Emphasis on competition between groups of citizens
  • Policy is the result of interest group competition

Polyarchy Model

  • Blending of Elite and Pluralist models
  • Policy is the result of competition and bargaining
    among group elites