In struggling to determine whether or not the American political system is pluralistic, elitist, or a representative democracy one must first understand what these systems are. A pluralistic system of government focuses upon interest groups to convey the interests and views of public opinion. An elitist system focuses upon a small "elite" class to rule. Representative government relies upon the voting majority of citizens to reflect who's best to rule.
             The representative system of democracy was the intentional method of government initiated by the Founding Fathers (Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin). They saw this as the antithesis of the English Parliamentary and Monarchical systems. Representation for the people by the people was the objective. Some two-hundred years later this system still exists after minor modification and adjustments.
             With the twentieth century coming to a close one might make amends to say that our system of government has reverted to a more pluralistic system. Interest groups have gained so much power that it is unfair to say that they play no role in the validity of government. Our system has adopted pluralism instead of transforming into it. Today interest groups are a vehicle in which people can join and become a part of. They have the power to sway votes and change political action but do not dominate everyday life. They have merely become a part or extension of people's everyday lives.
             A truly democratic political system has certain characteristics (laws) which are guaranteed and enforced. These characteristics are defined in the Constitution. This contractual agreement between the people and government ensures that neither one can overpower or limit the other. The only way to change the characteristics within the constitution is through the use of representative government. Elected officials have the right t...