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The government system presently existing in the United States is elitism. An elitism paves the way for those who are powerful; those who have money. In today’s society, wealthy individuals, corporations, and businesses influence and basically control government. Elitism is most commonly seen through the country’s political matters. Those in power donate their to governmental candidates and officials, and their political parties. This contribution of money takes place both legally and illegally as will be discussed later in this essay. The most important concept in elitism is that the general public does not benefit. Instead, the general public is actually discouraged to participate in today’s politics. The mass media, controlled by wealthy corporations, fails to inform the public the reality of today’s society. In contrast, due to negative advertising and news coverage, voters “express hesitancy and a lack of enthusiasm” (Stowitts 190). Antifederalists branded Federalists as “elitist,” therefore resulting in the creation of political parties ( Stowitts 136). Unfortunately, today, political parties have faltered into this “elitist” role. Political Parties are intended to represent “like-minded people to congregate for political purposes” ( Stowitts 136). In recent years, as seen during election time, these “like-minded” people are those who donate large sums of money to political parties. “Political parties have begun to reassert themselves in the campaign process by virtue of their fundraising skills and issue advocacy advertising” (Wayne 79). As a result of Buckley vs. Valeo, individuals are able to contribute their personal funds to political parties for campaign purposes (Reader 113). This allows the wealthy businessmen, lawyers, and corporations to influence the parties because they are the ones funding them. The candidate of the winning party tries to satisfy the wants and needs of those who are financially supporting them. An example of this elitist power over political parties is shown in the 2000 Presidential Elections. Republican candidate George W. Bush, who spent around 3 billion dollars on his campaign, proposed a 6% tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, but had no plan to extend medical benefits for the 44 million Americans who did not have basic care. “[Political] advertisements use montage, music, and symbolism to create an entire mood” (Stowitts 222). Today, candidates spend millions of dollars of their campaign accounts to create political advertisements to be shown on local and cable networks. These advertisements, such as those seen in the class video, depict negative images of candidates, the campaign they are running, and their political party.
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