American Democracy vs. American Plutocracy

America was founded as a democratic republic - it didn't start out as democratic as people assume, but the democratic elements grew stronger over time as people became accustomed to them and demanded more. Today, though, there are questions about just how democratic America remains. Are the people still sovereign, or has America in effect become a kind of plutocracy?

Paul Kurtz wrote in the Fall 2000 issue of Free Inquiry:

A plutocracy is defined as “government by the wealthy.” The critical question that should concern us is whether the United States is already a plutocracy, and what can be done to limit its power. This question, unfortunately, will not be taken seriously by most voters — but it damned well ought to be.

Ancient Greek democracy lasted only a century; the Roman republic survived for four, though it was increasingly weakened as time went on. As America enters its third century we may well ask whether our democratic institutions will survive and if so in what form.

If America is a plutocracy, it isn’t overtly one — no one has declared an end to the democratic process in favor of rule by the wealthy. I don’t think that this is necessary, however, to have a plutocracy. It’s arguable that a more effective plutocracy is one where the people continue to imagine that they are sovereign without having a significant impact on the governing process — or at least not a very significant one in comparison to the impact which the wealthy have.

The mere fact that the wealthy have more influence, though, shouldn’t make a society a plutocracy. Wealth is a form of power and this means that the wealthy will always have a disproportionate amount of power, no matter how perfectly democratic a society may otherwise be. Perhaps the real test how easy it is for “the people” to enact legislation over the objections of “the wealthy” and various powerful corporate interests.

If nothing can happen without the support and assistance of powerful corporations and wealthy individuals, then society is arguably a plutocracy — or at least one where wealthy corporations are in control. If the support and assistance of powerful corporate interests is helpful, but not necessary, for the passage of new laws, then it’s arguable that society remains reasonably democratic.

 

Quick Poll: Has America become a plutocracy?

1. Yes, America is fully a plutocracy
2. America is more a plutocracy than a democracy, but not fully a plutocracy.
3. America is too close for comfort, but still more a democracy.
4. America is not at all a plutocracy.
5. I don't know.
6. I don't care.

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