What Is The Difference Between Elite Theory And Pluralism???

Question

I Have No Clue And The Definitions Sound Like Chinese To Me. Please Help!

Answer 1

Both are said to be polar opposites of each other.  

Elite theory states that a small minority consisting of economic elites and policy-planning networks hold the most power, no matter the outcome in elections.  It also suggests that these elites possess the intelligence and skills to run things "behind the scenes" while the rest of society is too incompetent to govern themselves effectively.

Pluralism claims that real power lies with a wide number of coalitions, whether they originate within the governmental institutions or not.  It states that because democracy is mostly a clash of ideals in a crowded field, no one political faction is capable of dominating the others.  Thus, these various groups are forced to compromise in order to pass sound policy for the benefit of society.

In both cases, the average citizenry, alone, is incapable (or unwilling) to exert its influence in the government framework without the aide of influential and well-funded activists and/or well-connected policy "think tanks."