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THE AFFLUENT PARTICIPATE MORE IN POLITICS AND CIVIC LIFE
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THE AFFLUENT DOMINATE THE FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS
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RACIAL DIMENSIONS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE
More than 90% of itemized 2012 donations came from majority white neighborhoods. Less than 4%
came from Latino neighborhoods, even though Latinos make up 16% of the population. Less than
3% came from African American neighborhoods and less than 1% came from Asian neighborhoods.
Source: Associated Press, 2012
“…the preferences of the people in the bottom third of the income distribution have no apparent impact on the behavior
of their elected officials. ” - Larry Bartels
Vanderbilt Political Science Professor and author of Unequal Democracy
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THE AFFLUENT HAVE MORE INFLUENCE OVER POLICY OUTCOMES
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WHO IS “THE BOTTOM THIRD”?
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ECONOMIC AGENDA SHAPED BY THE ALREADY-WEALTHY
“…the starkest difference in responsiveness to the affluent and the middle class occurs on economic policy, a
consequence of high-income Americans’ stronger opposition to taxes and corporate regulation.”
- Martin Gilens Princeton Political Science Professor and author of Affluence & Influence
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UNEMPLOYMENT & JOB CREATION
DEBT & DEFICITS VS.
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THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
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THE AFFLUENT HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
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MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS
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MINIMUM WAGE VS. CAPITAL GAINS
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