SDA Course #5: In a recent study, political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page conclude that “when the preferences of economic elites and the stands of organized interest groups are controlled for, the preferences ...

Question 1

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In a recent study, political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page conclude that “when the preferences of economic elites and the stands of organized interest groups are controlled for, the preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy. … The preferences of economic elites (as measured by our proxy, the preferences of ‘affluent’ citizens) have far more independent impact upon policy change than the preferences of average citizens do.”

What evidence, if any, can you find that contradicts these findings?
What are the implications, if any, of this study for public policy regarding campaign finance?
What are the implications, if any, of this study for civic education?