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This lecture explores the pluralist theory of power, developed by Robert Dahl, which argues that power in modern democracies is dispersed among multiple competing groups rather than concentrated in the hands of a single elite. Dahl emphasized that interest groups, parties, and associations all influence policy, ensuring that no one group dominates permanently.
In contrast, C. Wright Mills’ elite theory claimed that a small “power elite” — composed of political, military, and economic leaders — controls decision‑making. Dahl criticized this view as overly deterministic, showing through empirical studies (like Who Governs? in New Haven) that pluralism allows for competition, negotiation, and shifting coalitions.
You’ll learn:
Core principles of pluralism: dispersed power, group competition, democratic legitimacy.
Robert Dahl’s contributions: polyarchy, empirical studies of local democracy.
Criticism of Mills: pluralism vs elite dominance.
Applications: interest group politics, party competition, policy outcomes.
Exam strategy: define, contrast Dahl and Mills, give examples, evaluate strengths/limits.
This lecture includes clear diagrams, real‑world examples (US democracy, Indian pluralism, interest group politics), and UPSC/PSIR exam tips to help you frame answers with definitions, thinkers, examples, and balanced evaluation

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