Post on 23-Feb-2016
description
www.demos.org
THE AFFLUENT PARTICIPATE MORE IN POLITICS AND CIVIC LIFE
www.demos.org
THE AFFLUENT DOMINATE THE FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS
www.demos.org
RACIAL DIMENSIONS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE
More than 90% of itemized 2012 donations came from majority white neighborhoods. Less than 4%
came from Latino neighborhoods, even though Latinos make up 16% of the population. Less than
3% came from African American neighborhoods and less than 1% came from Asian neighborhoods.
Source: Associated Press, 2012
“…the preferences of the people in the bottom third of the income distribution have no apparent impact on the behavior
of their elected officials. ” - Larry Bartels
Vanderbilt Political Science Professor and author of Unequal Democracy
www.demos.org
THE AFFLUENT HAVE MORE INFLUENCE OVER POLICY OUTCOMES
www.demos.org
WHO IS “THE BOTTOM THIRD”?
www.demos.org
ECONOMIC AGENDA SHAPED BY THE ALREADY-WEALTHY
“…the starkest difference in responsiveness to the affluent and the middle class occurs on economic policy, a
consequence of high-income Americans’ stronger opposition to taxes and corporate regulation.”
- Martin Gilens Princeton Political Science Professor and author of Affluence & Influence
www.demos.org
UNEMPLOYMENT & JOB CREATION
DEBT & DEFICITS VS.
www.demos.org
THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
www.demos.org
THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
www.demos.org
MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS
www.demos.org
MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS
www.demos.org
www.demos.org