While the United States is known for its democracy, many people do not realize the different workings beyond that broad concept. In fact, there exist 4 major theories of who really has power in our government. Among these, three (Marxism, Elitism, and Bureaucratic Elitism) are based on the idea of elite classes having power in our society. Pluralism, on the other hand, supports the notion that groups of all kinds with different interests represent themselves, and eventually compromise in our government. However, although I do see the standpoint behind each of these individual ideas, I have to admit that the one I believe reflects our American democracy the most is Elitism.
The idea of pluralism is one which I find myself agreeing with, to some extent. After all, the many groups in America do fight for what they stand for, and this does influence our society. However, the key word is “influence”. There is a significant difference between a figure who has influence, and one who has power. Due to this, after consideration, I think that elitism really is the dominating force in our country.
In class we spoke of celebrities having power; however, is this really the case? Sure, people will definitely be highly influenced by their favorite celebrity’s views or advocacy, but in the end, does this really make a difference? On the contrary, those people in the elite groups (government, military, and corporations) are the ones who will make a real change in our communities. They are the ones who ultimately declare war, make laws, and make the decisions in our government on a daily basis. Some may say that this is an exaggeration, that the people in America have the power. Once again, I do agree with this, but to a certain extent. Of course, we are granted the power to an election and voting for our representatives, but do we really have control over their actions? Even those considering a presidential campaign must have millions to spend. The truth is, there is a small circle of elites that have the real power over us, no matter how different it may seem at times.
For instance, whenever someone hears the word “war”, most automatically view it in a negative connotation. This is because this term is normally associated with loss, chaos, violence, casualties, and tragedy. However, leaders of major corporations benefit and are benefitting from past and ongoing wars. “In January 2010, the Congressional Research Service reported that there are at least 55,000 private armed security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, and maybe many more - as many as 70,000 in Afghanistan alone”, and still more money is available to defense contractors; “In 2008 alone, the top ten defense contractors received nearly $150 billion in federal contracts” (Quigley, Corporations Profit from Permanent War: Memorial Day 2010). Although these statistics may seem aged, we must remember that not only did this happen in the past, it is in our present and will probably be our future. These corporations even hire ex-military leaders and officials to help them profit off the war. So, during which America is hoping for the war to end, do you think that these people can say likewise? Even during the Second Iraq War, the United States sided with Kuwait because of their interest in its oil; should the U.S. help Kuwait, perhaps this country would view America more favorably in their oil business?
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As can be seen, money is an essential component of our government. By theory, the American population has the power in our democracy. However, in truth, one American is only a speck in the population of approximately 300 million that reside in this country. In our government, having status and money also probably means that you have power. Those with connections can find their way into positions in our government. Not only does this factor in various relations powerful people have with each other, publicity and exposure also play significant roles. Imagine being an upstanding figure in our society caught doing something that could ruin your reputation. Despite the situation, you pay a bribe, you make a few calls, you talk to some of your associates, and nobody ever finds out. Is this not a great deal of power? Even manipulating news and information is a great power that some may not even consider.
Those with interests varying from those of the American population may not necessarily have to comply with contradicting opinions. These elite classes sometimes are even spared a buffer from the rest of the people. This is why in the end, American democracy relies most heavily on the elite groups like the government, the military, and corporations.
Links:
Questions:
- Returning to our previous question, what really is the difference between influence and power?
- How would this affect the view on whether American democracy is based on an elite class system or pluralism?
- To what extent do the people in America have power, and to which do officials and major leaders?
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