A fundamental question of politics has to do with who makes political decisions for a society. Anarchy is when no government exists, and individuals must try to resolve conflicts on their own. In an oligarchy, a few members of the elite make decisions. The elite is defined as the upper socioeconomic class. Aristocracy refers to decisions made by the best suited in terms of wealth, education, intelligence, and family prestige.
Direct democracy exists when people make decisions in person, as in the New England town meeting.
This danger has led our society to create a republic or representative democracy, in which representatives are elected by the people to make and enforce laws. Elite theory has suggested that society is ruled by a small number of wealthy people who exercise power in their self-interest. Therefore, bargaining and compromise among groups should determine political decision-making. The context of the American society is changing as Americans age, become more diverse, and need new laws and policies. In 2000, almost 13 percent of the population was sixty-five years old or olds.