Corporate Elite
Elitist theory holds that the majority of political power is held by a relatively small and wealthy group of people, which share similar principles and interests. Most members of this group are born into affluent families. The majority of top leaders in the United States come from this privileged group. The power elite utilizes a variety of resources to dictate public policy. These individuals tend to hold top management positions within big corporations. These corporations are used as a powerful tool to dominate the political arena. Corporations are granted immense power, which they use, to protect their own interests, as well as, shape the interests of ordinary citizens. "The leadership role that business has in the economy gives executives of large corporations an unusual kind and degree of influence over governmental policy making." (Lindblom 1993:p91) The economic control of corporations plays an essential role in public policy. Depending on how they choose to play the game, large corporations dictate to economic conditions. Politicians must accommodate corporate interests to protect our sensitive economy. These accommodations can be called "corporatism". Big businesses receive a privileged position by donating hu
The privileged position that corporations receive makes sense. These groups participate more. They are more actively involved in the process than any other group. Large corporations utilize their resources to fund interest groups, form special relationships with politicians, and are more informed than the ordinary citizen. Their access places them into a unique position, whereas, large corporations are able to browbeat government. Out of fear, government is forced to share decision-making with corporate bullies. As long as this relationship continues, democratic policy-making will be an impossible goal to attain. Corporate giants will continue to interfere with policy initiatives that fight pollution, encourage equality, heighten safety standards, and improve our overall quality of life. For money runs this country, and the one with the most money usually wins. Stella Z. Theodoulou and Matthew A. Cahn, (1995) New Jersey, Prentice Hall Miliband suggests, that in abstract, the array of powers and influences utilized by business are combated by the equated powers and influences obtained by government. (p.61) In reality, government has minimal resources for self-protection. Big corporations are the backbone of government. Without corporate donations, politicians would not be able to effectively secure positions in government. The success of a political campaign highly depends upon efficient funding. As politicians except huge contributions to enhance their chances of winning, corporations contribute money to enhance their personal interests. Perhaps corporations should not be regarded with a negative connotation. Rather, the system itself should be blamed for encouraging these corrupted relationships. (1993) New Jersey, Prentice Hall. Pp.90-103
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Approximate Word count = 1349
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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