can soemeone please help me with this one?

Take the four ideas behind ELITISM/ELISTIST government – Marx; Weber; Mills; and pluralism. All four have relevance to American government and politics today. For EACH of the four, define/describe it and then explain an issue or situation that is happening currently that backs up this theory. For each example, you should be able to use something out of the Bush administration since 9/11, with the War in Iraq being especially good ground to cover.

Just give me some brief points please!

We'll be glad to critique your answer.

Well this is what i got so far...I have no idea if ths is right! please do correct me and also help me with the examples...please!!!

Marx: believed that everything a government does is motivated by economic conditions.

Weber: thought that Marx assigned too much attention to economic forces. He believed it was bureaucrats that have all the real power and that make most key decision.

Mills: Mills found that real leadership is held by a chosen few in 3 sectors: business, military and governmental.

Pluralism: competition among all affected interests shapes public policy. Because Government has so many cleavages, many different groups have access and therefore they share and compete for power.

You really didn't address elitism.

For instance, Marx believed that ordinary people should rise up and take control of government.

Did Weber agree with Marx?

Did Mills think that those who govern should be among the elite?

Your explanation of pluralism is good.

thanks...but can you give me a current example that goes with it?

The debate in Congress about health care is a good example of pluralism. Many different segments of society are reflected in this debate.

Sure! Here are some brief points on each theory and an example from the Bush administration post-9/11 that supports it:

1. Marx's theory of elitism: According to Marx, ELITISM in government refers to a small group of powerful individuals who control society's resources and make decisions that benefit themselves at the expense of the working class. An example from the Bush administration and the War in Iraq would be the perception that the decision to invade Iraq was driven by the interests of a small elite who sought to protect corporate interests or expand American imperialism.

2. Weber's theory of elitism: Weber defines ELITISM as the dominance of a specific group, such as the wealthy or educated, who exercise power and influence over the government. An example from the Bush administration would be the appointment of wealthy individuals, often with ties to corporate interests, to key positions in the administration, such as cabinet or advisory roles.

3. Mills' theory of elitism: Mills argues that power in society is concentrated in a small POWER ELITE consisting of leaders from various key institutions like politics, business, and the military. This elite group makes decisions that shape the direction of society, often without the input or control of the general population. An example from the Bush administration could be the close ties between political leaders and influential individuals in the military-industrial complex, leading to policies that prioritize military intervention or arms sales.

4. Pluralism: Pluralism suggests that power is dispersed among different groups in society, and decision-making is a result of competition and negotiation among these groups. An example from the Bush administration could be the involvement of different interest groups, such as neoconservatives, religious conservatives, and defense contractors, in shaping policies related to the War in Iraq. These groups would compete and negotiate for their preferred positions and policies.

Remember, these are brief points to give you an idea of each theory and how they can be applied. For a more in-depth analysis, you can further research each theory and explore specific examples and arguments.