Final answer:
The Hyperpluralist theory posits that an excessive number of competing interest groups can lead to a fragmented political system and policy gridlock, contrasting with pluralism's view of healthy democratic competition among diverse groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hyperpluralist theory of group politics is an expansion of pluralist theory, suggesting that when too many organized interests compete for power, it leads to a fractured system incapable of taking decisive action. This becomes problematic as it is argued that the multitude of voices leads to policy gridlock, where the government is so busy addressing the demands of numerous groups that it becomes ineffective or contradictory. Hyperpluralism highlights how the heavy emphasis on individual and group rights can lead to an imbalance, where the system is clogged with too many demands, and no clear policy direction prevails. This can be contrasted with the fundamental belief of pluralism, where competition among diverse interest groups is considered healthy for democracy, as it prevents any one group from dominating and ensures that many interests have the potential to be heard.