The first three theories of political elitism – developed, respectively, by Marx, Mills, and Weber – most likely cannot coexist with a representative democracy, simply because they allow the people little to no involvement in the nation’s political process. Pluralism, however, is the situation most likely to hold true in the United States, for it entails the existence of numerous elites, each of which is responsive to its follower’s interests. If Karl Marx’s theory …showed first 75 words of 621 total…

…showed last 75 words of 621 total…political power. The same theory applies in a pluralist society, in which political resources are so widely scattered that no single group or government institution can dominate the political process. Instead, government policies are the result of a complex pattern of political haggling, compromises, and shifting alliances. In order to gain more power, each elite wants to gain the favor of the populace. Thus, the government must remain responsive to the interests of the people.