Elite theory of Elite theory of democracydemocracy

In every society there is a class of In every society there is a class of people which is though small in people which is though small in number but has more control number but has more control over political power. The power over political power. The power belonging to this class occupy belonging to this class occupy command offices and provide command offices and provide leadership in ruling affairs of the leadership in ruling affairs of the society and this class of the society and this class of the people is known as elitepeople is known as elite

Characteristics of political Characteristics of political eliteselites

Small in numberSmall in number OrganisedOrganised Open entryOpen entry Monopoly over political powerMonopoly over political power Open competition among different Open competition among different

elite groupselite groups Conscious of their interestsConscious of their interests Absence of absolutismAbsence of absolutism

Main features of the elitist Main features of the elitist theory of democracytheory of democracy

Inevitability of political elites in every societyInevitability of political elites in every society In every society there are two classesIn every society there are two classes Iron laws of oligarchyIron laws of oligarchy Democratic method of appointing and Democratic method of appointing and

dismissing the policy makersdismissing the policy makers Plurality of elitesPlurality of elites Leadership is necessary for democracyLeadership is necessary for democracy Government of the people and by the people Government of the people and by the people

ia a mere mythia a mere myth

In democracy elections are elections In democracy elections are elections of elitesof elites

Non participation of people in policy Non participation of people in policy makingmaking

Circulation of elitesCirculation of elites Faith in government by experts and Faith in government by experts and

not by the peoplenot by the people No special importance is given to No special importance is given to

ideologyideology

Criticism of elitist theoryCriticism of elitist theory Lack of faith in common peopleLack of faith in common people It is conservative theoryIt is conservative theory Elites can not maintain equilibrium in societyElites can not maintain equilibrium in society This theory is silent about democratic societyThis theory is silent about democratic society This theory gives no importance to ideologyThis theory gives no importance to ideology This theory gives no importance to manThis theory gives no importance to man Leaders are given undue importanceLeaders are given undue importance This theory does not give due importance to This theory does not give due importance to

public opinionpublic opinion

This theory is against the principle of This theory is against the principle of social and economic equalitysocial and economic equality

What should be the basis of political What should be the basis of political eliteelite

Protection of the interest of Protection of the interest of capitalismcapitalism

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ByBy Dr. AMANDIP KAURDr. AMANDIP KAUR DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, PGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARHPGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARH