THE AFFLUENT PARTICIPATE MORE IN POLITICS AND CIVIC LIFE.

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Transcript of THE AFFLUENT PARTICIPATE MORE IN POLITICS AND CIVIC LIFE.

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THE AFFLUENT PARTICIPATE MORE IN POLITICS AND CIVIC LIFE

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THE AFFLUENT DOMINATE THE FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS

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RACIAL DIMENSIONS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE

More than 90% of itemized 2012 donations came from majority white neighborhoods. Less than 4%

came from Latino neighborhoods, even though Latinos make up 16% of the population. Less than

3% came from African American neighborhoods and less than 1% came from Asian neighborhoods.

Source: Associated Press, 2012

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“…the preferences of the people in the bottom third of the income distribution have no apparent impact on the behavior

of their elected officials. ”  - Larry Bartels

Vanderbilt Political Science Professor and author of Unequal Democracy

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THE AFFLUENT HAVE MORE INFLUENCE OVER POLICY OUTCOMES

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WHO IS “THE BOTTOM THIRD”?

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ECONOMIC AGENDA SHAPED BY THE ALREADY-WEALTHY

“…the starkest difference in responsiveness to the affluent and the middle class occurs on economic policy, a

consequence of high-income Americans’ stronger opposition to taxes and corporate regulation.”

- Martin Gilens Princeton Political Science Professor and author of Affluence & Influence 

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UNEMPLOYMENT & JOB CREATION

DEBT & DEFICITS

VS.

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THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES

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THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES

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MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS

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MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS

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