This paper examines how political parties and interest groups shape policy outcomes with differential impacts across socioeconomic classes. It explores the mechanisms driving class-based inequality in American politics, analyzing both descriptive representation (who holds office) and substantive representation (what policies are enacted). The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative case studies of legislative bargaining. Key findings reveal persistent disparities despite formal party structures promoting elite capture through informal networks.
Data & Methods:
- Mixed methods research design
- Quantitative survey data collected from 1,052 political actors across 49 states
- Qualitative analysis of 38 state-level legislative bargaining sessions
- Regression models and network analysis techniques
Key Findings:
- Elite capture remains prevalent despite party structures designed for equality
- Informal networking outweighs formal institutional representation mechanisms
- Disproportionate policy influence correlates with class-based access to political networks
Implications:
- Challenges descriptive representation theories in complex democratic systems
- Highlights the need to examine informal political institutions alongside formal ones
- Provides insights into persistent socioeconomic inequality within American democracy
