A Democracy of Privilege

In an era of increasing polarization among the American public -- evidenced by an almost 50-50 split on many issues and candidates -- it is useful to examine the state of civic participation and discourse in our own democracy.

Two years ago, the American Political Science Association convened the Task Force on Inequality and American Democracy. In June, it released a report, American Democracy in an Age of Rising Inequality, which concludes, in part:

Disparities of income, wealth, and access to opportunity are growing more sharply in the United States than in other nations, and gaps between races and ethnic groups persist. Progress toward realizing American ideals of democracy may have stalled, and in some arenas reversed.

In writing about the report, syndicated columnist E. J. Dionne Jr. challenged all citizens -- especially politicians -- to read the report in order to expand participation in civic matters. He points out that in 2000, 95% of "substantial contributions" to political activity were from the 12% of U.S. households with income more than $100,000.

The report charges that those active in politics often hold views more "intense or extreme" than average citizens. This viewpoint, coupled with a rise in the influence of special interest groups, inhibits elected official ability to craft compromise.

There are three parts to the report: a general report directed towards citizens and journalists; scholarly analysis of "economic, gender, racial, and ethnic inequalities in American politic;" and teaching modules designed for graduate and undergraduate courses.

Resources

• APSA Task Force Report
• Dionne: Poor Version of Democracy