Pluralism

• Controlled by the public opinion
• Decisions taken by many
• Many opportunities to participate
• Wide range of views are taken into account
  • The views which are supported the most win

Supported by Robert Dahl.

Elitism

• Controlled by the elites
• Opportunities to participate are few/meaningless
  • Politicians are able to just ignore it (‘pass it off’)
• Decisions are taken by a small number of people
• Small number of view are taken into account
  • The views which win are based on hierarchy

Supported by C. Wright Mills.