A theory of government that sees society divided into classes with an upper class elite ruling; decision making is done by elected representatives acting as trustees.

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

Answer: (C)

Elitist democracy holds that society is stratified into classes, with an upper-class elite wielding the real power. In this view, elections occur, but decision making is done by elected representatives acting as trustees—they use their own judgment, expertise, and interests to govern rather than simply following the direct will of the voters. This emphasis on a ruling minority shaping policy explains why power is seen as concentrated in a select few, even in a system with electoral processes. It also helps distinguish this view from theories that emphasize broad participation or multiple groups influencing policy, such as those that focus on the bargaining among many factions.