Representative democracy refers to the government of people through officials that are elected to safeguard their interests. This is the type of democracy that exists in the United States (as opposed to direct democracy). However, a representative democracy can take different forms.
Pluralism is the view that recognizes diversity in thought and opinion as a basic component for peaceful coexistence. Elitism, on the other hand, is the belief that a selected group of individuals who are particularly skilled or intelligent, are more likely to run the government effectively. Lastly hyperpluralism affirms that if a state becomes too diverse, it would be divided into factions that would fight for power and the country would no longer be governable.
Out of these options, pluralism is the one that best achieves the founders' intent for American democracy. It recognizes the diversity of all citizens and allows them to participate in the political process. It also protects stability and good government.
