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In philosophy, political science and sociology, elite theory is a theory of the state that seeks to describe and explain power relations in society.In its contemporary form in the 21st century, elite theory posits that (1) power in larger societies, especially nation-states, is concentrated at the top in relatively small elites; (2) power "flows predominantly in a top-down direction from ...
Elitism is the notion that individuals who form an elite — a select group with desirable qualities such as intellect, wealth, power, physical attractiveness, notability, special skills, experience, lineage — are more likely to be constructive to society and deserve greater influence or authority. [1]
The iron law of oligarchy is a political theory first developed by the German-born Italian sociologist Robert Michels in his 1911 book Political Parties. [1] It asserts that rule by an elite, or oligarchy, is inevitable as an "iron law" within any democratic organization as part of the "tactical and technical necessities" of the organization. [1]
American sociologist C. Wright Mills states that members of the elite accept their fellows' position of importance in society. [2] "As a rule, 'they accept one another, understand one another, marry one another, tend to work, and to think, if not together at least alike'." [3] [4] It is a well-regulated existence where education plays a ...
Rule by a government under the sovereignty of rational laws and civic right as opposed to one under theocratic systems of government. In a nomocracy, ultimate and final authority (sovereignty) exists in the law. Cyberocracy: Rule by a computer, which decides based on computer code and efficient use of information. This is closely linked to ...
The rule of law is a political ideal that all people and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers and leaders. [2] [3] It is sometimes stated simply as "no one is above the law". [4] The term rule of law is closely related to constitutionalism as well as Rechtsstaat. It refers to a ...
The governing elite, however, if it is to be effective, must consist of a strong mixture of both Class I and Class II elements. The ideal governing class contains a judicious mixture of lions and foxes, of men capable of decisive and forceful action and of others who are imaginative , innovative , and unscrupulous.
The rule according to higher law is a practical approach to the implementation of the higher law theory that creates a bridge of mutual understanding (with regard to universal legal values) between the English-language doctrine of the rule of law, traditional for the countries of common law, and the originally German doctrine of Rechtsstaat ...