From "The Structure of Power in American Society" by C. Wright Mills
In Mills' class essay, he discusses the increasing centralization of power among individuals within three spheres of American society: politics, military, and economics. This anti-democratic trend places the masses in a passive position so they are reactive rather than active in playing a meaningful role in dictating direction/ policy.
-Which theory of governance does Mills most clearly attempt to refute?
A) Socialism
B) "Balance of power" pluralism
C) Meritocracy
D) Fascism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mills attempts to refute the theory of "balance of power" pluralism, which argues that power is widely dispersed among different groups in society and that they compete with each other for influence. Mills argues that this theory is false because power is increasingly being centralized in the hands of a few individuals within politics, military, and economics, and the masses are being made passive and powerless as a result.