A 7 page paper that begins by explaining and discussing pluralism and elitism. The writer takes the position that while the U.S. is neither pluralist nor elitist, it is more elitist. The writer then justifies the argument by commenting on how wealth brings power. The growing disparity between the top and bottom 20 percent of the income index is offered as support for the wealthier becoming even wealthier and more powerful. Madison's thoughts about checks and balances are brought into the discussion but the writer points out the founding fathers were the elite at the time. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization" (everthing2, 2001). Elitism is defined as the belief that some individuals are superior and
the government should be controlled by the small group of people who are specially qualified or who are members of a privileged group. This definition had its roots with Plato
who believed only the privileged should run the government (Kelly, n.d.). Elitism has two points of view: it is natural and good for the society in genera, and it is
inevitable because of human nature (Kelly, n.d.). Pluralists argue that because of the democratic legislative system, there is no one single group that dominates the government or the political
process, at least not for any extended period of time (Stevenson, 2002). The right to vote, lobbies, organizations and other groups all have a definite impact on the legislative and
political processes (Stevenson, 2002). They point to groups like trade unions, educational organizations, civil rights organizations, environmental groups as well as small and big business lobbies as examples of some
of the many groups that influence the government (Stevenson, 2002). Citizens who are not represented by any specific group have the ballot box (Stevenson, 2002). The ballot box, however, does
not hold accountable the many other elite groups, like business and media leaders (Dye and Ziegler, 2006). Elitism, by contrast, views the legislative and political processes as being dominated by
a small group of select persons (Stevenson, 2002). Elitism also promotes major institutions in society being controlled by a small group of persons (Stevenson, 2002). Within the ideology of elitism
a ruling class is inevitable, there is simply no way this will change (Stevenson, 2002). Pluralists believe that even though the political system is hierarchical, democracy is still possible because