Who Rules America?

1. Who Rules America?

2. “We the People…” I ask you….

3. The Irony of Democracy “The Power Elite Theory” American political life is based on an ELITE theory of Democracy. They challenge the PLURALISTIC view of democracy in our standard textbooks. Thomas R. Dye and L. Harmon Zeigler

4. Two Basic Themes…. • Who rules America? ELITES do, not the masses. • In order for DEMOCRACY to survive, elites must govern, not the masses.

5. Basic Definitions of Democracy • Government by the PEOPLE • MAJORITY Rule • The principle of equality of rights, equal OPPORTUNITY and equal treatment. Is it TRULY this way?

6. Who are the “Elites?” • W_____ and E_______ are the prestigious and socially prominent, or “elite”. Who are the “Masses?” • Those who lack wealth and education are less prestigious and are not socially prominent. Large Middle Class….who is this today? ME? YOU?

7. Specifically, the Elites are: • Military • Corporate Leaders • Politicians

8. The “Masses” median incomes (’05 #’s) • 9th grade or less: $17K annually! • HS: 26K • Bachelor’s: 43K (75% college drop out rate; 72% more $ lifetime with degree) • Master’s: 52K • Professional: 82K

9. Average Salary 2010 $41, 673

10. How do individuals and companies concentrate their power? • Own huge blocks of stocks of other companies • Through INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES • Alliances • Massive Conglomerates

11. INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES

12. INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES

13. Massive Conglomerates • Large companies that consist of seemingly unrelated business sections. • Business selling products in more than one market, therefore not c____________ with each other.

14. Conglomerates

15. Conglomerates

16. “THE” Media Conglomerate

17. Other Media Conglomerates

18. How else do individuals and companies concentrate their power? • The M________ - I_________ Complex • The US Military along with: Boeing, Lockheed, General Dynamics, McDonnell-Douglas, Grumman

19. Conspiracy Theory?? • Increase defense spending at the detriment of social programs; to promote a war threat to acquire a stranglehold on the national economy.

20. Participants: • M________ leaders • D________ contractors • C_____________ with bases in their districts • L______ U_______ • U______________ engaged in military r_______

21. If the masses don’t REALLY run America, (according to Dye and Ziegler) what about Elections? Hmm….what do you think?

22. Before we look @ elections, let’s look at the attitudes of the masses: “If democracy is to survive, elites must govern. Masses are apathetic, ill-informed, ….and have a weak commitment to e_____ rights.”

26. Do you believe this? Masses don’t necessarily believe in right to dissent, freedom of speech and press, religious toleration, and due process of law.

27. Election Turnout • 2010 Ohio Primary • 2009 Ohio General Election • 2008 Ohio Presidential • 2008 Nationwide Turnout: (Let’s go to the clickers….)

28. Elections give the masses a satisfying feeling of p____. Do voters order troops overseas or pass new tax laws?

29. Elections and parties are important only for their s______ value. It gives the masses a role to play on election day.

30. Elections encourage the elites to consider the w______ of the masses Elitism contends that the masses have (at best) only anindirect influence on the decision making of the elites.

31. TRUE? Somewhat? Not at all?Where will YOUR influence more likely prevail in politics????????