Government
The institution in society that develops and institutes policy
Public Policy
The choices that government makes through the laws, regulations, rules, procedures, decisions, non-decisions, directives, etc, that it makes about issues that affect the public
Politics
The use of power and influence to try to achieve public policy
Linkage Institutions
Institutions that connect citizens to government
1. political parties
2. interest groups
3. the media
4. elections
Democracy
Rule by the people
Pluralist Theory
People express policy preferences through interest groups
Elite and Class Theory
Public policy is controlled by wealthy individuals
Hyperpluralist Theory
Interest group competition becomes so strong that it cripples the government's ability to make public policy