Politics A: Analysing Theories of the State and Individual - Evaluation of Pluralism.

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Gordon Daniels

Politics A: Analysing Theories of the State and Individual

Evaluation of Pluralism.

Pluralism is a term used to describe a form of government, the type of government that can be seen in the UK and USA and is often referred to as Liberal or Representative Democracy.

Technically the pluralistic political model is one that consists of multiple centres of power and authority, as opposed to one where the state controls people’s actions. A truly pluralistic model would be Medieval Europe where the Monarchy and Church were co-equal rulers in their different spheres, and where craft corporations and feudal landlords also had claim to the obedience of its citizens.

Nowadays the doctrine has changed slightly and become more complicated in its nature. Modern states will not accept formally that there are rival but equal sources of power and foci for legitimacy. Societies like the USA and those found in Western Europe are considered pluralistic. Here Trade Unions and Industrial Associations considered secondary associations that along with Political Parties and subsequent administrative bureaucracy share power with Government and the Legislature. The collective but distinct power of these associations and groups representing different interests provide a counter to the tyranny of the state and that of the majority.

Within a pluralistic regime there are sub-categories a multiparty system where there is no one majority but a coalition of several parties looking out for their own interests, generally considered unstable. Two-party system where one party holds power and there is little confrontation, generally considered stable. There are different types of pluralistic regime adopting these subcategories. Presidential regime like the USA where there is a pseudo two-party system and freedom of vote, or Latin America where it has a multiparty system. The UK has a Parliamentary regime with a two party system, where as Continental Europe has parliamentary regime with a multi party system.

In a pluralistic democracy, political struggle and opposition takes place openly and freely, often within the public domain of the media. Pluralistic society is a liberal society where personal freedom exists, people are able to express and voice their opinions. Be it orally in writing or through the membership of organizations and participation in demonstrations. Traditionally this kind of action would be considered conspiracy against the state. The principle in pluralism is that if you organize individuals with a more or less like mind you can increase the political influence and power of those concerned. Over the years these groups become more accessible and organized, and develop into lobbyists, pressure groups and even political parties, Informal groups exist as well e.g. family, peer groups and work colleagues. All of these segments of society are capable of influencing government policy, with great effect if they are formally organized. Government policy is the result of bargaining and compromise between these groups.

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Political scientist Arthur Bentley [1870-1957] originated pluralism from his group theory. He argued that all political systems really consist of, is a number of separate groups competing with one another to influence policy. The role of the government was that of a political broker, responding to demands and influence of different groups and distributing policies in response.

In the pluralistic model the role of government is to act as umpire to be “an honest broker in the middle of the game”. It has to see that participants observe the rules and play there part in the pluralistic model. ...

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