A common view on the Burn the Constitution thread seems to be that the American system of government, while imperfect, is at least the best of all practical worlds (apologies for the Panglossian paraphrase). Words like “democracy” are often bandied about as proof that the United States represents the acme of freedom and enlightenment. Accordingly, I’d like to play Devil’s advocate for a bit, and challenge the notion that our political structure is anything more than nominally democratic.
Here’s the deal: I’m taking the position that the US is functionally an oligarchy and a plutocracy, rather than a democracy. I’ll cite an aspect of our society/culture/government which indicates pervasive plutocratic or oligarchical tendencies. Those of you who believe otherwise can either refute my assertion, or offer up a counter-example which makes a stronger case for America as a functional democracy–that is, demonstrate that the aspects of our country which are republican and genuinely representative supersede those which are non- or anti-democratic. Clear?
Dictionary definitions, culled from Webster’s Ninth Collegiate:
democracy: a government by the people; esp. the rule of the majority
oligarchy: government by the few
plutocracy: government by the wealthy
I’ll go first, with a set of contentions:
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Institutional power in the United States–in business, media, and politics–is held by a demographic which is overwhelmingly white, overwhelmingly male, and–most importantly–overwhelmingly wealthy.
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Those in this demographic tend to associate primarily with others who share their socio-economic status, and to develop a particularized world-view based upon that socio-economic status–just as anyone’s perspectives are colored by their own experience.
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People of every stripe tend to act rationally, seeking outcomes which are in their own interest. Similarly, people tend not to actively seek outcomes which are not explicitly rational.
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Individuals with institutional power are far better equipped to pursue policy goals which achieve outcomes in their own interest than are individuals without institutional power.
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The policy interests of the wealthiest ten percent of Americans can sometimes conflict with the policy interests of the other ninety percent. What benefits the few does not always benefit the many.
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In general, the policy outcomes sought by those with institutional power are not designed with the various interests of the public in mind.
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In general, the interests of policymakers only coincide with the will of the public when prudent or propitious.
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A relative few (those with institutional power, and those who share the interests of those with institutional power) shape national policy, with little consideration for a relative many.
Therefore, America’s an oligarchy. Responses?