The American Political System 166

Bachrach and Baratz "Two Faces Of Power"

The sociologist found that power is "highly centralized" while political science conclude that "their" communities power is "widely diffused" {Bachrach and Baratz, p.947).

"the hypothesis of the existences of a ruling elite can be strictly tested only if....there is a sample of cases involving key political decision in which the preference of hypothetical ruling elite run counter those of any likely other group that might be suggested" (Bachrach and Baratz, p.949).

My understanding to that paragraph is when making decision weather political or social decision one should feel accepting to their opinion in decision making. One should feel included and not excluded. Power given to certain to authority figure can be misused and abused.