Meanwhile, the study, When do the Rich Win? (done by a PhD student in Texas, J. – From the study: Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens. But we believe that if policymaking is dominated by powerful business organizations and a small number of affluent Americans, then America’s claims to being a democratic society are seriously threatened. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence….Īmericans do enjoy many features central to democratic governance, such as regular elections, freedom of speech and association, and a widespread (if still contested) franchise. Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. The often cited Princeton study, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens by Martin Gilens, found that what the average citizen wants politically has little baring on what policy is passed in the United States of America. Both should be considered, let’s quickly discuss them. On the subject of “is American an Oligarchy” there is one core study everyone cites and then one counter-argument paper that pokes some holes in the conclusions. On America as an Oligarchy: Looking at the Studiesīelow we discuss data and theory, let’s start with the data and then we’ll move onto the theory (and more data). The United States is a Federal Republic with democratic values that some claim contains a growing oligarchy (or corporatocracy). Is the United States of America an Oligarchy or a Corporatocracy?
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