Democracy can become a façade for elite control, where a small, powerful group holds the real influence even while maintaining the outward appearance of a government "by the people."

This subversion of democratic ideals happens when political and economic power are concentrated in the hands of a few, which can then manipulate the democratic process to serve their own interests.

The Power of Money and Lobbying 

One of the most significant ways democracy is undermined is through the influence of money. When elections and political parties become dependent on large financial contributions, the principle of "one person, one vote" can be replaced by "one dollar, one vote."

• Campaign Finance: The high cost of modern campaigns can make it difficult for candidates without access to wealthy donors to compete. This creates a political system where elected officials may feel a greater sense of obligation to their financial backers than to their constituents.

• Lobbying: While lobbying is a legal part of a representative democracy, it can be used by powerful special interests to shape legislation in their favor. Well-funded lobbying efforts can provide lawmakers with research and data that advances a specific agenda, often at the expense of the public good.

Manipulating the Electoral System 

Even the democratic mechanisms designed to ensure fair representation can be manipulated to serve elite interests.

• Gerrymandering: The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one party or group can create safe seats and make elections less competitive. This allows politicians to choose their voters rather than the other way around, effectively insulating them from public opinion and accountability.

• Voter Suppression: Methods such as complex voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and reduced polling places can be used to make it harder for certain demographics to vote. This can lead to a lower voter turnout among a specific group, ensuring that a more compliant electorate is the one that gets to decide who governs.

The "Revolving Door" and a Disengaged Public 

The relationship between elites in government and the private sector also blurs the lines of representation.

• The Revolving Door: The movement of individuals between high-level government positions and lucrative jobs as lobbyists or corporate executives can create a culture where officials prioritize their future career prospects over their public service. This can lead to policies that benefit corporations and the wealthy, who are most likely to employ them after their government service ends.

• A Disengaged Electorate: When citizens feel that the political system is rigged and that their votes do not matter, they may become cynical and apathetic. This voter apathy can create a vacuum that is easily filled by organized, well-funded elites, who are more than willing to step in and make decisions that serve their own interests.