Which theory contends that an upper-class elite rules and that decision making is done by elected representatives acting as trustees?

Which theory contends that an upper-class elite rules and that decision making is done by elected representatives acting as trustees?

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

Answer: (C)

Elitist democracy is the idea that political power rests with a relatively small, upscale segment of society, and that elected representatives act as trustees who use their own judgment to make policy decisions rather than simply following every detail of what constituents want. This fits the description of an upper-class elite ruling and decision making being done by representatives who are trusted to deliberate and decide in the public interest. Think of trustees as people who believe they know what’s best for the country and can weigh long-term consequences, rather than delegates who just mirror the immediate preferences of their voters. The other options describe different ideas about how power or authority is distributed in government: hyperpluralism emphasizes many competing groups shaping policy and potential gridlock; enumerated powers is about the Constitution listing federal powers; dual federalism describes a clear separation of governmental domains between national and state governments.

Elitist democracy is the idea that political power rests with a relatively small, upscale segment of society, and that elected representatives act as trustees who use their own judgment to make policy decisions rather than simply following every detail of what constituents want. This fits the description of an upper-class elite ruling and decision making being done by representatives who are trusted to deliberate and decide in the public interest.

Think of trustees as people who believe they know what’s best for the country and can weigh long-term consequences, rather than delegates who just mirror the immediate preferences of their voters. The other options describe different ideas about how power or authority is distributed in government: hyperpluralism emphasizes many competing groups shaping policy and potential gridlock; enumerated powers is about the Constitution listing federal powers; dual federalism describes a clear separation of governmental domains between national and state governments.