The irony of democracy; The founding fathers - the nation's first elite; The evolution of American elites; Elites in America; Masses in America; Elite-mass communication; American political parties - a system in decay; Elections, money, and the myths of democracy; Organized interests - defenders of the status quo; The presidency; The bureaucratic elite; Congress - the legislative elite; Courts - elites in black robes; American federalism - elites in states and communities; Elite response to mass protest; Public policy - how elites make decisions; Epilogue - what can students do?; Appendix - the constitution of the United States of America.
