AP U.S. Government and Politics Flashcards: Types of Democracy
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the core characteristic of a pluralist democracy?
The core characteristic is group-based activism by nongovernmental interests aiming to influence political decisions.
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What is the core characteristic of a pluralist democracy?
The core characteristic is group-based activism by nongovernmental interests aiming to influence political decisions.
Define Pluralist Democracy.
Pluralist democracy is a model that emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making.
What are the three models of representative democracy visible in U.S. institutions?
The three models are participatory democracy, pluralist democracy, and elite democracy.
What fundamental tension regarding democratic models is present in the U.S. Constitution?
The U.S. Constitution reflects the tension between the broad participatory model and the more filtered participation of the pluralist and elite models.
Define Elite Democracy.
Elite democracy is a model of representative democracy that emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society.
How are the three models of representative democracy relevant in contemporary politics?
The three models continue to be reflected in contemporary institutions and political behavior in the U.S.
How do the participatory and elite models of democracy differ on the issue of political involvement?
Participatory democracy emphasizes broad participation, while elite democracy emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society.
Define Participatory Democracy.
Participatory democracy is a model of representative democracy that emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society.
Which model of democracy favors broad involvement in politics and civil society?
Participatory democracy is the model that emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society.
Which foundational documents reflect the tension between different models of democracy?
The debate between Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 reflects the tension between the broad participatory model and the more filtered pluralist and elite models.