POSC 20203 Lecture 4: Cynicism
Document Summary
Should we consent to be governed by nathanson chapter 3. Political cynicism: what is it: core tenets, types of cynicism. Support for premise 1: american government is not ruled by a monolithic elite differences [between different elite factions] can arise but these conflicts seldom take into account the interests of the working public. If its true, premise 1 is false: elite-dominated pluralism = the pure pluralism is too optimistic; people with lots of resources usually win. Predicted probability of policy adoption (dark lines, left axes) by policy disposition; the distribution of preferences (gray columns, right axes) Policy is insensitive to the changes of ordinary people"s opinions. Even in a democracy, their thoughts really do not change the outcomes of policies. Elites do have an influence on policy change. If very few elites want a change, it probably will not happen. If all elites want a change, it is likely to happen.
