DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH
AND HOW IT EFFECTS POLITICS
By: Caleigh Sowder
Definition
• The wealth and income of a nation distributed among the
people
Problem of Distribution of Wealth
•
Main problem is that wealth is kept to just a few; it is not distributed evenly
•
Different groups have more power over politics then some
•
This can lead to inequality in the actual hold on government
What Americans Think of Distribution
(politizane)
What the Ideal Distribution Is
(politizane)
How Distribution Actually Is
(politizane)
Still Confused?
History of Distribution of Wealth and
Politics
In an article written by G. William Domhoff, he stated, “Numerous studies
show that the wealth distribution has been concentrated throughout American
history, with the top 1% already owning 40-50% in large port cities…” (Domhoff)
•
This shows that the wealth has always been unevenly distributed among the
people.
History of Distribution of Wealth and
Politics Cont.
•
The gaining and loss of power through wealth has been something commonly
found throughout history and time.
•
Zakaria sated, “Throughout history, few events in international life have been as
regular or as disruptive as the arrival of a new great power on the world scene.”
(Zakaria, pg 1, par 1)
Different Classes in the Economy
There are three main classes found in the economy
Poor
• Middle
• Rich
•
Each has varying levels of influence on politics, as well as varying levels of participation
Poor’s Participation in Politics
•
Have very negative views on politics due to unfairness and inequality in politics
•
Because of their lack of money, their needs for reform are often pushed back,
causing even less participation in politics.
Middle Class’s Participation in Politics
•
Participate more than the poor
•
Even though they participate more, they have less say than the rich
•
They participate more as well because they know they need representatives to
speak for them in politics
Rich’s Participation in Politics
•
Given more dictation and rule in politics because they have the most money
•
They participate the most because they can get the most out of politics
•
Put political obstacles and things in candidate’s way so the candidate’s will focus
more on the rich’s problems and concerns
(Anderson)
Sources
Anderson, Nick. Interpreting Romney. 28 Feb. 2012. Houston Chronicle. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.
Bagchi, Surtirtha and Jan Svejnar. “Does Wealth Inequality Matter for Growth? The Effect of Billionaire
Wealth, Income Distribution, and Poverty.” Journal of Comparative Economics. 43.3 (2015): 505530. Print.
Berman, Ari. “How the Wealth Primary Is Undermining Voting Rights.” Nation 300.23 (2015): 12-16. Print.
“Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology." Pew Research Center. 26 June 2014. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.
Campbell, Rosie and Philip Cowley. “Rich Man, Poor Man, Politician Man: Wealth Effects in a Candidate
Biography Survey Experiment.” British Journal of Politics & International Relations. 16.1 (2014): 5674. Print
Cowen, Tyler. ”The Blurry Lines Between Makers and Takers.” New York Times 13 Oct. 2012. Print
Sources Cont
Domhoff, William G. “Wealth, Income, and Power.” Who Rules America? 2005. Web. 31
Oct. 2015
Gilens, Martin. “Descriptive Representation, Money, and Political Inequality in the
United States.” Swiss Political Science Review. 21.2 (2015): 222-228. Print.
Lerner, Michael. “Get Money Out of Politics.” Tikkun. 28.1 (2013): 7-12. Print
Olmsted, Mark. How American Wealth is Distributed. 03 April. 2011. Huffington Post. Web. 13.
Nov. 2015.
"Young Outsiders." Pew Research Center. 26 June 2014. Web. 31 Oct. 2015
Zakaria, Fareed. “From Wealth to Power: The Unusual Origins of America’s World Role.”
Princeton: Princeton University, 1998. Print.