Economic populists question the actual, not just the theoretical, power of individual citizens in a world-capitalist economy. Capital, increasingly liberated from societal controls, is recognized as a critical factor which cannot be ignored. Economic elites are perceived as using money and power to shape public policies. Cultural populists see knowledge elites using their power to shape media symbols, images, ideas and words. They also are skeptical of the power of individuals, families and communities to resist images that they believe are potentially harmful to their well-being.
Governmental populists question the ability of politicians to resist iniquity.
For example, the movement for term limits recognize the corrupting nature of public power while the crusades for campaign finance reform recognize the corrupting nature of money. A society structured on progress puts power into the hands of experts and professionals. The shrinking middle class, declining moral standards and the constant partisan bickering are seen as examples of the failure of the professional class. Consequently, the financial wizard on Wall Street, the creative director in Hollywood and the ambitious politician in Washington are blamed for these downfalls. More significantly, the institutions that they represent are seen as deficient.