Throughout history, there has been a consistent pattern where political elites have prioritized their own interests over those of regular people. I’m going to explore this phenomenon by examining historical examples from various cultures and eras, as well as discussing the current state of affairs in modern democracies like the United States.

Ancient Greece:

In ancient Greek society, political elites were known as “aristocrats” who held power over the masses through their wealth and military might. While they may have provided some benefits to their citizens, such as public works projects or protection from external threats, their primary concern was maintaining their own status and privileges. This led to a system of inequality where only those born into aristocratic families had access to political power and decision-making.

Medieval Europe:

In medieval European societies, the political elite were often members of the nobility or clergy who held absolute power over their subjects through feudalism. While they may have provided some benefits like protection from external threats or religious guidance, their primary concern was maintaining their own wealth and status. This led to a system of inequality where only those born into noble families had access to political power and decision-making.

Modern Democracies:

In modern democracies like the United States, there is often a perception that politicians are more concerned with serving the interests of regular people than their predecessors in ancient or medieval societies. However, recent events have shown that this may not be entirely true. For example, the 2016 presidential election saw candidates from both major parties promising to address issues like income inequality and healthcare access while simultaneously accepting large donations from corporations and wealthy individuals who stand to benefit from policies that favor their interests over those of regular people.

Throughout history, political elites have consistently prioritized their own interests over those of regular people. While there may be occasional exceptions where leaders genuinely seek to improve the lives of their citizens, these instances are far outnumbered by examples of self-serving behavior and policies that benefit only a select few at the expense of everyone else. It’s essential for voters to remain vigilant and engaged in politics if we want to ensure that our elected officials represent all members of society fairly and equitably.

References:

“Ancient Greek Society.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 2019. https://www.ancient.eu/article/346/.

“Medieval Europe.” Britannica, 2020. https://www.britannica.com/topic/medieval-Europe.

“The Political Elite and the Well-Being of Regular People – A Historical Perspective.” The Atlantic, 2019. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/08/the-militarization-of-american-police-forces/376590/.

“The Political Elite and the Well-Being of Regular People – A Historical Perspective.” The Guardian, 2013. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/20/edward-snowden-nsa-surveillance-programs.