The irony of democracy -- The founding fathers: the nation's first elite -- The evolution of American elites -- Men at the top: positions of power in America -- Elites and masses: the shaky foundations of democracy -- Elite-mass communication: television, the press, and the pollsters -- Elections: imperfect instruments of accountability -- The American party system: a shrinking consensus -- The organized interests: defenders of the status quo -- The presidency in crisis -- Congress: the legislative leite -- Courts: elites in black robes -- American federalism: elites in states and communities -- Protest movements: challenge to dominant elites -- Epilogue: dilemmas of politics -- The constitution of the United States of America

1. Elite (Social sciences) -- United States
2. Cultural pluralism -- United States
3. United States -- Politics and government