Monday, December 15, 2014
Theories of Power in a Democracy
After reading the excerpt from The Power Elite, I have to disagree with what C. Wright Mills is saying about the power distribution within our democracy. Mills mentions, "their failure to act, their failure to make decisions, is itself an act that is often of greater consequence than the decisions they do make". This sounds like he is trying to say that the country heavily relies on, or puts pressure onto, this elite group he talks about. If the elite group fails then the entire country would fall. In my opinion, that is not the case. I also disagree with Mills when he talks about the conspiracy behind the power of large corporations. I think it is a little crazy to say that large corporations or highly known politicians actually know that they are in the "elite" and that they are forming a conspiracy about it. Yes I think they keep some information hidden from the public but that is because the public doesn't need to know every single thing that goes on in government. But, to say that they have a conspiracy about it is a little inaccurate. I agree with Kayla because I think the hyperpluralism theory is a better explanation for how power is distributed in our country. I think that the smaller, more local level businesses and groups have a greater impact on the power. Factions and the multiple interest groups within our country are all supporting and fighting for the top spot to get their voices heard. That is actually more realistic of our democracy instead of the corporations or politicians trying to get the top spot. They already have the money, the smaller groups are now trying to get a spot. In the end, I disagree with what Mills was saying about how the power is distributed in our democracy, even though he may have some logical thoughts.
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Sorry Hannah, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this. The country was founded by men of wealth and influence and will continue to be run by men of wealth and influence far into the future. Our country is based on what the Founding Fathers wanted, a government that protects the interests and property of everyone, but mainly these elite that Mills speaks about. The people that benefit most from our government are the rich. Bill Gates influenced Common Core getting passed and now we have to learn that way because he has the money to back up what he wants. Also, in history, a ruling elite has always controlled government. Congress has always been more interested in the protection of the interests of the rich than of the common people. The elitist theory holds water and I don't believe we are even close to equals with the wealthy as the hyperpluralist theory states. Many voices fight for power, but only those with the money to raise their voice higher actually get what they want. Sorry I had to be so harsh, but it is homework to criticize.
ReplyDeleteI get what you are saying and where you are coming from. However, I think that the rich and wealthy people only have an influence on our democracy. Bill Gates is one person who did something to change policy. The rest of the wealthy have money and only money (in my opinion). Therefore, I think that the smaller groups that have lots of members will be the ones to get policy changed easier. if they have a large following and decent amounts of donations then policy could have a chance to get passed with them. To summarize everything, I am a mix of both. I get where you are coming from but only to an extent. I think that elites put influence on our democracy but the smaller more "known" groups ( i.e. NRA) are the ones who have more of a chance.
DeleteLike Kevin said, I disagree with you Hannah. The one percent ,or the elites, control a crazy amount of the world we live in today. Their wealth makes the common person look like a spec of dust. With all if this wealth, many thing and or people can be influenced. Let's say a congressman wants to run for re-election but their new competitor is obviously better than them. so then they reach out to a wealthy man (an elite) and ask him for a large sum of money to strengthen his campaign ads. This wealthy man agrees to give him money but on one condition. This condition is that he must support a bill that will help his company grow larger therefore, this elite has influenced politics and the government. Now this may be a long story but it has happened in several different ways. Maybe a congressman won't ask for money but somewhere along the line some part of the government will. And when those people call for money, the elitists will be there to offer money in order to gain control of the government.
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