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 Houston Chronicle. Web. 13 Nov Bagchi, Surtirtha and Jan Svejnar. “Does Wealth Inequality Matter for Growth? The Effect of Billionaire Wealth, Income Distribution, and Poverty.” Journal of Comparative Economics (2015): Print. Berman, Ari. “How the Wealth Primary Is Undermining Voting Rights.” Nation (2015): Print. “Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology." Pew Research Center. 26 June Web. 31 Oct 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 (2014): Print Cowen, Tyler. ”The Blurry Lines Between Makers and Takers.” New York Times 13 Oct Print

Sources Cont Domhoff, William G. “Wealth, Income, and Power.” Who Rules America? Web. 31 Oct Gilens, Martin. “Descriptive Representation, Money, and Political Inequality in the United States.” Swiss Political Science Review (2015): Print. Lerner, Michael. “Get Money Out of Politics.” Tikkun (2013): Print Olmsted, Mark. How American Wealth is Distributed. 03 April Huffington Post. Web. 13. Nov "Young Outsiders." Pew Research Center. 26 June Web. 31 Oct Zakaria, Fareed. “From Wealth to Power: The Unusual Origins of America’s World Role.” Princeton: Princeton University, Print.