Who Rules America?

“We the People…”

I ask you….

The Irony of DemocracyThomas R. Dye and L. Harmon Zeigler

American political life is based on an ELITE theory of Democracy. They challenge the PLURALISTIC view of

democracy in our standard textbooks.

“The Power Elite Theory”

Two Basic Themes….• Who rules America? ELITES do,

not the masses.• In order for DEMOCRACY to

survive, elites must govern, not the masses.

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?

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?

Specifically, the Elites are:

•Military• Corporate Leaders• Politicians

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

Average Salary 2010

$41, 673

How do individuals and companies concentrate their power?

• Own huge blocks of stocks of other companies• Through INTERLOCKING

DIRECTORATES• Alliances• Massive Conglomerates

INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES

INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES

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.

Conglomerates

Conglomerates

“THE” Media Conglomerate

Other Media Conglomerates

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

Conspiracy Theory??

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

Participants:

• M________ leaders• D________ contractors• C_____________ with bases in their

districts• L______ U_______• U______________ engaged in military

r_______

If the masses don’t REALLY run America, (according to Dye and

Ziegler) what about Elections?

Hmm….what do you think?

“If democracy is to survive, elites must govern. Masses are apathetic, ill-informed,

….and have a weak commitment to e_____ rights.”

Before we look @ elections, let’s look at the attitudes of the masses:

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.

Election Turnout

• 2010 Ohio Primary• 2009 Ohio General Election• 2008 Ohio Presidential • 2008 Nationwide Turnout: (Let’s go to the

clickers….)

Elections give the masses a satisfying feeling of p____.

Do voters order troops overseas or pass new

tax laws?

Elections and parties are important only for their

s______ value.

It gives the masses a role to play on election day.

Elections encourage the elites to consider the w______ of the

masses

Elitism contends that the masses have (at best) only an indirect

influence on the decision making of the elites.

TRUE? Somewhat? Not at all?

Where will YOUR influence more likely prevail in politics?

???????