I have to agree with C. Wright Mill, that most of the people have the same amount of influence in the politics of democracies, but the top famous and rich people have a whole lot more of a say then the rest of the population. The author of this passage makes it obvious on what his status is on whose voices are actually heard and whose voices are just said to be heard, but are rarely heard. Some examples of people who might have big influence are people who head big companies like Bill Gates and Tim Cook, CEO's of Microsoft and Apple, respectively. The money these people have is what got them to the position to have the big influence they have now. As we talked about in class, Bill Gates had a huge influence on the passing of the Common Core. Before that he donated $200 million across the political spectrum so everyone had a piece if Bill Gates. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also contributed to America lately, he has contributed millions of dollars to help pass legislation to progress gay marriage. He has been somewhat successful which proves Mill's point if money equals influence in democracy.
http://www.carolinajournal.com/cartoons/display.html?id=10981
Yes these people have a say and influence but so do millions of other people. Like I said in the support of my own comment there are so many interest groups that were shown in the scavenger hunt I had no idea existed. Many of these groups have members of the middle and probably lower class. The elite does not control so many people because lots of people belong to groups. There is however a majority of the population that does not take part in interest groups but these people are protected by the government from control by those groups. People also do not rely on interest groups because there are so many other ways that you can reach out. People of lower class without money often make runs and policy change. Obviously, if you have money and are part of the elite it Is easy to talk to high ranking government officials and get your views out there but that doesn't mean they are the only ones who can. Small groups of people can build together to form interest groups and influence policy just as much. That is why our country is in a hyperpluralism and even though the elite may be powerful they do not control power in our democracy.
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