Discipline: Political Science
Theory of politics described by American political scientist Robert Dahl (1915-).
In modern democracies the people cannot literally rule in the classic sense of democracy, but if there are free and open democratic procedures, and a variety of groups and organizations, then the many may be said to rule.
Polyarchy can be said to exist when democracy mingles effectively with pluralism.
Source:
Robert A Dahl, Polyarchy (New Haven, 1971)