Question

According to robert Dahl who governs in the us?and how does he know this?

Answer 1

I analyzed Robert Dahl's "Who Governs?" In the excerpt I read, Dahl described the pluralistic politics in New Haven, Connecticut. Dahl's ideals are the opposite of C. Wright Mills's, who claimed one solitary individual or group of individuals had the power in government and politics. Dahl, however, claimed that in a political system multiple groups of people have power, and are often competing for the most power.
I agree with this, as there is rarely one group with all the power (in American government). Groups also tend to influence each other, or those in power. Dahl reminds readers that in order for an association of leaders to survive and thrive, "frequent transactions between [two groups] must occur" (Dahl 25). This all contributes and leads to multiple groups "paying off" other groups to get services performed and jobs done.
However, Dahl also points out the inequalities in the New Haven political system, saying those in the "political stratum" tend to know more then those in the "apolitical stratum" (25). Those in the political stratum are more involved, tend to have more influence, and their knowledge is extensive. Those in the apolitical stratum, however, are not as involved, do not always have a lot of influence (although there are exceptions to this), and are not as knowledgeable. Dahl is, therefore, reminding us that although it is important we try to stay united, there are still inequalities among our political systems. This is true, as everyday citizen's voices are not always heard through the opinions of powerful groups and associations.
Dahl also points out other examples of inequalities in the political system. He tells readers that there are "many different kinds of resources for influencing officials" that are available (26). However, these resources, such as money, are often unfairly and unequally distributed. On the other hand, almost no one is "lacking in some [form of influential resources]" (26). This system is complex, and has many parts, and involves many people.