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