The theory of government that maintains that vast numbers of competing groups vying for power can stymie compromise and leave the government in gridlock is called

This theory of government is called the Hyperpluralism theory. Hyperpluralism suggests that groups should be formed to advance the causes of the members - usually those with shared interests. While this is not inherently bad, hyperpluralists believe that taking cases to court to advance or hinder causes, that may or may not align with what they want to happen, pits the judicial process against the legislative process.