Pluralism is a theory that states "…groups with shared interests influence public policy by pressing their concerns through organized effort." (Edwards, 2010, p.14) and the many linkage groups across America would seem to indicate that this theory is being carried out in practice as opposed to the hyper-pluralist theory in which pluralism runs wild and no one can agree with anyone else. Those institutions that can become organized in the most effective manner seem to be the ones who can influence the government when it comes to public policy. Because it is the voters who must be convinced to cast their ballots for a specific candidate, candidates must campaign for office. When it comes to a campaign, it is the primary purpose of the organization to reinforce, activate, and convert voters. (Edwards, 2010, p.136) Campaigns need to reinforce voter's positive perception of a candidate, activate them into becoming involved, and attempt to convert voters "by changing voter's minds." (Edwards, 2010, p.136) in this way the best organized campaigns seem to be able to accomplish this. Another way by which those who make public policy can be influenced is by means of interest groups. While there are many factors involved in whether...

When it comes to Americans, the plurality of the populace appears to create a system that is, in effect, contradictory. While Americans take pride in the fact that they are ideological conservatives, maintaining traditional values etc., they are in actuality operational liberals. This means that the American people like to believe that their traditional values are being adapted to the modern world through liberal public policies. And it is important to remember that those institutions that remember this fact, and tailor their message to it, are the most effective in influencing public policy and therefore hold the real power in America.
References

Edwards, George, Martin Wattenberg, and Robert Lineberry. (2010). Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy. Boston: Pearson Longman. Print.