The origins of this skepticism date back to the political atmosphere of mid-eighteenth century colonial America. When the British began to overtly exercise their political sovereignty, a sentiment began to develop that the British power, although legal, was somehow illegitimate. Populism is expressed uniquely in different historical eras. Sometimes populist energy is directed at economic forces. At other times populists criticize cultural trends.
Governmental power can also be the aim of populist reforms.
Because populism manifests itself through different discourses, it it is awkward to categorize. Wherever people see illegitimate power unchallenged, the potential for populism is present. Political rhetoric is the usual way populists voice their discontent. Action is passionately demanded to stand up to elitist power. Because emotions drive both the leaders and followers, populism is difficult to systematically analyze.