Elitism versus populism : experiments on the dual threat to American democracy / Curtis Bram.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bram, Curtis, author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in experimental political science, 2633‐3368.

Cambridge elements. Elements in experimental political science, 2633‐3368

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Democracy--United States.

Democracy.

Elite (Social sciences)--United States.

Elite (Social sciences).

Populism--United States.

Populism.

United States--Politics and government--21st century.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (67 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2025.

Summary:

Critics of populism and advocates of elitist democracy often place greater confidence in political elites than in the general public. However, this trust may be misplaced. In five experiments with local politicians, state legislators, and members of the public, the author finds a similar willingness across all groups to entrench their party's power when given the opportunity - a self-serving majoritarianism that transcends partisan lines. This tendency is strongest among committed ideologues, politicians running in highly competitive districts, and those who perceive opponents as especially threatening. Local elected officials even appear more focused on securing their party's next presidential victory than on opposing bans against their political rivals. These findings challenge the conventional mass/elite dichotomy, revealing little differences in undemocratic attitudes. Safeguarding democracy likely requires shifting focus from those individual attitudes to strengthening institutional restraints against majority abuses. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 16 May 2025).

ISBN:

1-009-54690-2

1-009-54691-0

1-009-54689-9

Access Restriction:

Open Access. Unrestricted online access