Social Sciences and History / Unit 7 SSH 0604 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Elite Theory Against Pluralism: Classifying a Claim
The idea
The exam asks which theory of who governs a statement expresses, and the anchor gives three positions. Elite theory: a small, wealthy, powerful elite controls government and makes policy to benefit its members and perpetuate their power. Pluralist theory: groups representing the people's interests attract politicians' attention and influence policy. The anchor's own resolution, tradeoffs: policy is usually the result of groups and elites fighting for influence while politicians balance competing interests, including their constituents'.
In practice
Given "the same few families and firms get their way whatever the election says", elite theory. Given "the farm lobby, the teachers' union and the retirees' association each won a clause", pluralism. Given "the bill gave the banks most of what they wanted, the consumer groups some, and the district a bridge", tradeoffs. Ask who the statement says holds power: a class, organized groups, or a negotiated mix.
Where people slip
The trap is treating the theories as exclusive; the anchor presents tradeoffs as what usually happens, not as a third theory on equal terms. The second trap is confusing pluralism with direct democracy; pluralism works through groups, not individual votes.
Your place on the trail
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