US Democracy Essay

Question 1

The U.S. is not truly democratic

Answer 1

• extensive use of unelected bureaucratic officials

- problem: rich people have more political power

Question 2

Pluralist

Answer 2

• The US is a democratic nation
• Power is equally distributed
• no one group is politically dominant
• several veto groups that compete to win support
• the rise of a multitude of veto groups has neutralized the historical power of wealth
• The federal government acts neutral
• acts as a mediator which smooths conflict in the best interests of all

Question 3

Power Elite

Answer 3

-the US is not a democracy
-Corporate rich
>direct participation in government
>campaign contributions
-Military leaders
>political and economic pre-eminence started during WWII
-Executive branch
>reign over an immense bureaucratic network
>presidential office and cabinet agencies have progressively expanded in size and importance

• no segment of the elite dominate
• frequent interchange of personnel between the elite segments
• top corporate executives tapped for key appointments in the executive branch
• retiring generals often enter key offices in business and industry
• the ease of movement is a visible indication of the closeness of the power elite

Question 4

Class-Dominance/Business Dominance

Answer 4

• emphasizes the power-wielding capabilities of the wealthy and their representatives
• social upper class rules
• despite a ruling class the US is still democratic
• cleavages within the ruling class
• attend the same private schools elite universities social clubs and resorts parties and balls