Chapter 1 The Irony of Democracy Learning Objectives

Chapter 1 The Irony of Democracy

Learning Objectives • • • Explain the iron law of oligarchy. Define elitism. Define pluralism. Show elitism and pluralism overlap. Explain how elitism occurs in a democracy. Explain “the irony of democracy. ”

The Irony of Democracy • Democracy is government “by the people. ” • The responsibility for the survival of democracy rests on the shoulders of elites. – Elites are the few who have power; the masses are the many who do not. – Power is deciding who gets what, when, and how. – Elite theory - society focuses on the few with power, their values, their behavior, and their demographics.

The Meaning of Elite Theory • Elites govern all societies. o Less numerous, perform political functions, monopolize power, and enjoy advantages that power brings o As individuals, they focus on maintaining their position as elites. • As a group, elites agree on the basic rules of the game and the importance of preserving the political and social system.

The Meaning of Elite Theory • The bases of elite consensus are the sanctity of – individual liberty – private property – limited government • Public policy does not reflect the demands of “the people”– rather the interests and values of elites.

The Meaning of Elite Theory • Elitism does not necessarily mean the masses are exploited or repressed, only that the responsibility for mass welfare rests with elites, not masses. • Elitism assumes that the masses are largely passive, apathetic, and ill-informed. • Elites influence masses more than masses influence elites.

The Meaning of Democracy • Democracy is popular participation in the allocation of values in a society – Underlying value–individual dignity • Majority rule and respect for the rights of minorities

The Meaning of Democracy • Classical liberal theory – John Locke – individuals possess inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property which are independent of government. A government’s purpose is to protect individual liberty. – People form a “social contract” to establish a government to help protect their rights.

The Meaning of Democracy • Classical liberal theory – Property is important because it provides economic self-sufficiency, rather than feudal dependence on government. – Government is a major threat to individual liberty and must be limited.

The Meaning of Democracy • Equality of all people is a vital aspect of classical democracy. – Equality for all persons before the law – Political equality–“one person, one vote” – Equality of opportunity–to develop to the extent of one’s capabilities, no artificial barriers to the pursuit of happiness or success in life

Elitism in a Democracy • Founders believed government rests on the consent of the governed, and envisioned decision making by representatives of the people. – Representatives would use their prudence and wisdom to make decisions on what was best for the masses.

Elitism in a Democracy • Issues with Direct Democracy – The U. S. Constitution contains no provision for national popular referenda. – Direct democracy would produce total paralysis and accomplish nothing.

Representative Democracy & Elites Rule by the consent of the masses through institutions of representation leads inevitably to elitism. The democratic process in the U. S. is the popular selection of political elites. Power is the ability to influence people and events by granting or withholding resources. Classical liberal distrust of government in the U. S. has resulted in a thriving, powerful private sector.

Mass Support for American Government

Elite Competition as the Basis of Pluralism • A defining characteristic of democratic nations is the relative autonomy of elites. • Power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite. – Masses have real opportunity to circulate to the top. • Ruling elite model • Plural elite model

The Meaning of Pluralism • Pluralism is the belief that – Democratic values can be preserved. – Competing elites determine public policy through bargaining and compromise. – Voters exercise meaningful choices in elections. – New elites can gain access to power.

The Meaning of Pluralism • Pluralism is the belief that – Mass participation is not possible. – Decision making must be accomplished through elite interaction, rather than individual participation. – Countervailing centers of elite power can check each other and keep each interest from abusing its power.

How Elitism & Pluralism Differ Elitism Pluralism Most important division is between elites and masses Emphasizes the division of society into interests and competition between leadership groups Emphasizes the importance to leaders of maintaining their positions of power Emphasizes devotion of leaders to their group interests Group membership does not ensure effective individual participation in decision making Individual membership in a group indicates interest Accommodation and compromise among leadership groups is the prevailing style of decision making Competition among leadership groups protects the individual

How Elitism & Pluralism Differ Elitism Pluralism Most important division is between elites and masses Emphasizes the division of society into interests and competition between leadership groups Emphasizes the importance to leaders of maintaining their positions of power Emphasizes devotion of leaders to their group interests Group membership does not ensure effective individual participation in decision making Individual membership in a group indicates interest Accommodation and compromise among leadership groups is the prevailing style of decision making Competition among leadership groups protects the individual

Elite & Mass Threats to Democracy • Elite Distemper – The relative autonomy of separate elites often encourages narrow visions of the common good and a willingness to sacrifice social values for relative advantage. – Encouraged by the absence of any external checks on the power of elites in their various domains.

Elite Distemper Periodically, elites undertake reforms to curb the most flagrant abuses and Mass of the system and punish those responsible. Motivated by the restoration of mass confidence in elite government, ultimately preservation of the elite system itself.

Mass Unrest • Masses are vulnerable to appeals to intolerance, racial hatred, antiintellectualism, class antagonism, antireligious biases, and violence. • Demagogues–mass-oriented leaders who seek to diminish or delegitimize the system • Democratic values can only survive in the absence of mass political activism.

Elite Repression • Mass unrest inspires elite repression. – Elite repression is the limitation of dissent, speech, and assembly and the strengthening of security in the name of law and order. – Comes from genuine belief that it is necessary to preserve democratic values

An Elitist Theory of Democracy • All societies are governed by elites. • Elite theory seeks to explain the way elites function in a democracy. – Critics claim it legitimizes elite rule and obstructs social progress of the masses.