Which Theory Best Describes American Democracy?

Pluralism in the United States

Out of all four theories (Marxism, Elitism, Bureaucratic Elitism, and Pluralism), I think that Pluralism represents the United States the most. Pluralism is when the government is diverse and people of all different races, religions, and classes get along equally. A pluralist government makes compromises and tries to please everyone. The power in a pluralist government is distributed among different people ranging from Politicians and Military leaders to celebrities. Typically, the government uses its power to make decisions that will contribute to everyone's needs. Even though citizens do not directly participate in the decision making, they are able to vote for leaders who they see as fit to make the decisions based on compromise. However, people like celebrities use their large amount of followers and fame to exert their influence on other people. In this way, pluralism serves as a model of a democratic government where different people can voice their own ideas and opinions. In other words, power is scattered and has no limits concerning different groups of people. 

This picture shows diversity and possibly compromise. 

An example of pluralism in America is the different practices of religion. The first amendment in the U.S. Constitution ensures the all religious beliefs can be exercised freely. Essentially, every person has the right to practice their own religion without anyone preventing them from doing so. Many different religions are practiced side by side and each person has a right to voice their thoughts and concerns. The plurality of all the different religions practiced has created a diverse America. In this case, a pluralist government would have to make compromises to fit the necessities of all these different people. As Richard Norman said, "The challenge for a plural society—containing diverse ethnic, racial, religious, linguistic, and cultural groups—is to establish common principles without hindering the maintenance of diverse group identities."

Research/Links for Further Understanding:

Pluralism and Democracy

The Idea of Pluralism Richard Norman Ph.D.