Elite theory posits that society is controlled by a small, wealthy, and powerful group of individuals who use their resources to influence political decision-making in their favor. This group is deemed the elite, and they are believed to have disproportionate power and influence within society, often at the expense of the majority. Elite theory is often criticized for its pessimistic view of democratic governance and its lack of concrete solutions for mitigating elite domination.

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Elite Theory

Question 39

Multiple Choice

Elite theory

A) implies that the president must come from the party that holds the majority in Congress.
B) emphasizes governmental control over economic policy, but not social institutions.
C) is viewed by political scientists as a theory that works well as a description of both how democracies should function and how democracies actually do function.
D) indicates that a single ruler controls all aspects of the government, but not economic and social institutions.
E) is the perspective that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interests.

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