PLURALISM AND DEMOCRATIC THEORY: FOUNDATIONS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the pluralism within democratic theory as it has been a crucial element along with thesocio-political development of the modern liberal democratic theory. Thus, our understanding of what is the realessence of pluralism and how it contributes to democratic processes could be developed. The discussion starts withwhat elements are necessary for the pluralist conceptualization of liberal democracy. Then, it is suggested that theFederalist Papers are great examples to understand how the modern liberal democratic system of America has beenconstructed, regarding pluralism. Separation of powers and federalism as the source of pluralism are pointed out inthe study.The essay concludes that pluralism and its implications have contributed greatly to the development ofliberal democracy both at the institutional and societal levels. Madisonian principles of separation of powers, thesystem of checks and balances, and federalism constituted the institutional dimension of the pluralism whereasTocquevillian arguments focus more on the societal dimensions as he makes emphasis on the importance of theidea of equality, dangers of the tyranny of a majority, and the existence of associations. In order to sustaindemocracy and prevent populism, as one of the emerging challenges that need to gain further scholarly attention,there occurs an urgent need to find solutions to promote and sustain the concept and implications of pluralism.