Which theory argues that groups are so powerful that government is weakened?

Which theory argues that groups are so powerful that government is weakened?

• A. Elitist Democracy
• B. Federalism
• C. Hyperpluralism
• D. Dual Federalism

Answer: (C)

Groups being so powerful and numerous that they pull the policymaking process in many directions explains why government ends up gridlocked and less able to act. This idea, called hyperpluralism, holds that a flood of interest groups compete for influence, and policymakers try to placate every faction. The result is fragmented, compromised policies or stalled decisions, which weakens the government’s overall effectiveness. This differs from elitist democracy, which stresses a relatively small, privileged group of elites controlling major policy outcomes; federalism, which is about the division of power between national and subnational levels; and dual federalism, which describes a clearer, separate layering of state and national powers. Hyperpluralism focuses on how too many powerful groups can paralyze decision-making, not on elite control or just the structure of government.

Groups being so powerful and numerous that they pull the policymaking process in many directions explains why government ends up gridlocked and less able to act. This idea, called hyperpluralism, holds that a flood of interest groups compete for influence, and policymakers try to placate every faction. The result is fragmented, compromised policies or stalled decisions, which weakens the government’s overall effectiveness.

This differs from elitist democracy, which stresses a relatively small, privileged group of elites controlling major policy outcomes; federalism, which is about the division of power between national and subnational levels; and dual federalism, which describes a clearer, separate layering of state and national powers. Hyperpluralism focuses on how too many powerful groups can paralyze decision-making, not on elite control or just the structure of government.