If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power?

Democracy is a form of government that allows the majority of the population to make decisions to maximize the benefit for everyone. The small number of people that fully benefit from the system are elite groups with unlimited resources and power. If the system were to change, such members of society would lose their privilege amongst the whole population. Furthermore, making changes requires political power, which cannot be gained without prior wealth or connections to the wealthy.

As mentioned in the textbook, some could assume the country to be an oligarchy, as its system is controlled by a few. The people who would find change necessary do not have the resources to become political candidates since campaigns are very expensive. At the same time, wealth and power are not equal by definition since wealth may be private and can only contribute to more opportunities for gaining power. Great power itself does not result from being rich; it is more about knowing how to use the resources to stay relevant in big corporations and political campaigns.

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Academic.Tips. (2023) 'If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power'. 12 February.

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Academic.Tips. (2023, February 12). If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power? https://academic.tips/question/if-the-u-s-is-a-nation-where-only-a-small-number-of-people-fully-benefit-from-its-system-why-are-its-people-not-making-changes-that-reflect-democratic-ideals-why-would-it-be-a-mistake-to-equate-wea/

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Academic.Tips. 2023. "If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power?" February 12, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/if-the-u-s-is-a-nation-where-only-a-small-number-of-people-fully-benefit-from-its-system-why-are-its-people-not-making-changes-that-reflect-democratic-ideals-why-would-it-be-a-mistake-to-equate-wea/.

1. Academic.Tips. "If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power?" February 12, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/if-the-u-s-is-a-nation-where-only-a-small-number-of-people-fully-benefit-from-its-system-why-are-its-people-not-making-changes-that-reflect-democratic-ideals-why-would-it-be-a-mistake-to-equate-wea/.


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Academic.Tips. "If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power?" February 12, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/if-the-u-s-is-a-nation-where-only-a-small-number-of-people-fully-benefit-from-its-system-why-are-its-people-not-making-changes-that-reflect-democratic-ideals-why-would-it-be-a-mistake-to-equate-wea/.

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"If the U.S. is a nation where only a small number of people fully benefit from its system, why are its people not making changes that reflect democratic ideals? Why would it be a mistake to equate wealth with power?" Academic.Tips, 12 Feb. 2023, academic.tips/question/if-the-u-s-is-a-nation-where-only-a-small-number-of-people-fully-benefit-from-its-system-why-are-its-people-not-making-changes-that-reflect-democratic-ideals-why-would-it-be-a-mistake-to-equate-wea/.

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