Elite democracy in the United States is a political system where power is held by a small, privileged group. This essay explores its presence in the Electoral College, the Supreme Court, and the impact of economic and political elites on legislation and policies. It contrasts elite democracy with pluralist and participatory models, examining the merits and drawbacks of such a system in American governance.
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Elite democracy is a political system where a small, privileged group holds the majority of decision-making power
Theories of Mosca, Pareto, and Michels
Elite democracy is based on the theories of Mosca, Pareto, and Michels, which suggest that societies are divided between a ruling minority and a ruled majority
Elite democracy coexists with pluralist and participatory democratic elements in the United States
Pluralist democracy in the US is based on the distribution of power among various interest groups to prevent a single entity from monopolizing control
Participatory democracy in the US encourages direct engagement from citizens through tools like referendums and initiatives
Elite democracy is present in the US political framework, alongside pluralist and participatory democratic elements
The Electoral College, used in US presidential elections, exemplifies elite democracy as the final decision is made by electors rather than the popular vote
The Supreme Court, with its power to interpret the Constitution and establish legal precedents, serves as a key institution within the framework of elite democracy
Economic and political elites in the US can significantly sway political processes through lobbying, campaign contributions, and funding political action committees and Super PACs
Elite democracy can result in efficient governance and informed policymaking due to the expertise and experience of the ruling elite
Elite democracy may lead to a narrow range of perspectives, policies that favor the elite, and a risk of corruption as those in power may be reluctant to relinquish their positions
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Elitism theory's societal division
Society split into ruling minority and ruled majority; majority deemed less capable of self-governance.
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Iron law of oligarchy
Michels' theory that democratic institutions inevitably evolve into oligarchies due to power centralization.
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US democratic system composition
Combines elite democracy with pluralist and participatory elements; not purely elitist.
