Elite Theory, Pluralism, And Hyperpluralist Model Of American Politics

There are many pieces written by philosophers in which they express their interest in different forms of government and politics. C. Wright Mills wrote about the model of the elite theory while Robert Dahl wrote about the pluralist model of American politics. The three best-known theories of American politics are the elite theory, pluralism, and hyperpluralism. Groups have been created to support each of the theories. America’s political process is best defined by the pluralist theory which represents various interest groups that compete and counterbalance one another. Pluralism expresses how power is distributed among many groups and that it is mainly a competition with each group pressing on enforcing their own policies. The groups that are involved provide a connection …show more content…
This theory divides society into class rankings and the upper-class elite controls regardless of the governmental organization. This negatively impacts the lower class as they will most likely be left in poverty. In “The Power Elite” C. Wright Mills states, “The power elite is composed of men whose positions enable them to transcend the ordinary environments of ordinary men and women; they are in positions to make decisions having major consequences.” Mills also believes that the elite group is “...In command of the major hierarchies and organizations of modern society.” The three centralized domains contain higher circles that are a part of the economic, the political, and the military elites. Mills expresses that the power elite can cover up their intentions and operations. He states, “...The power elite, by its very nature, is more likely to use existing organizations, working within and between them, than to set up explicit organizations whose membership is strictly limited to its own members.” All in all, this is how the elitist theory is representing by C. Wright Mills piece, “The Power