Final answer:
In a pluralist view, political power is widely distributed among many organized groups, with the competition among these groups shaping government policy. This ensures various interests are represented, but can also lead to factionalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pluralist view of power would hold that political power should be distributed throughout a variety of organized groups within society, rather than being concentrated among a select few or elites. In a pluralistic democracy, political influence is determined by the ability of these groups to compete and advocate for their interests. Interest groups, such as environmental advocates, unions, and business organizations, play a significant role in shaping government policy, as they represent the collective interests of their members. Political parties and political action committees (PACs) also contribute to this diverse landscape, seeking to influence government decisions and policy outcomes.
Representative democracy is strengthened when a multitude of interests can strive to be heard by governmental actors, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered in the policymaking process. However, this can also lead to issues of factionalism, where smaller, well-resourced groups may exert disproportionate influence. Despite the challenges, the pluralist theory puts emphasis on the accessibility of the American political system, with various entry points encouraging citizen participation and competition among different interests.