Four Theories of Governance: The Actions of Political Elites

1. Four Theories of Governance: The Actions of Political Elites James Wilson, political scientist

2. Marxist Theory • Government is a reflection of underlying economic forces • Relies on ownership of the means of production • Pointless to study government since it is controlled by the dominant social class

3. “Power Elite” Theory • C. Wright Mills, sociologist • Most important policies are set by a loose coalition of three groups – corporate leaders, top military officers and a handful of key political leaders (some political scientists now add the communications media, labor leaders or heads of special interest groups

4. How does the “Power Elite” Theory work? • Government is dominated by a few top leaders who enjoy advantages of wealth, status or organizational position, but most of whom are outside of government • Act in concert and their policies benefit the elite

5. Bureaucratic Theory • Max Weber, German historian and sociologist • Appointed civil servants run everything • All institutions, governmental and nongovernmental, have fallen under the control of large bureaucracies whose expertise and specialized competence are essential to the management of contemporary affairs

6. Pros / Cons • Pros: decisions are often more rational • Cons: too much political power is given to unelected bureaucrats

7. Pluralist Theory • Political resources are widely scattered among political elites so no elite has a monopoly • Policies are the outcome of competition, political compromise, and shifting alliances