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Unpopular government in the United States

Written by Albert Martin Kales

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About this book

"Unpopular Government in the United States" by Albert M. Kales is a critical political treatise written in the early 20th century. The book examines the concept and implications of unpopular government, suggesting that despite efforts to establish a truly democratic system, power has increasingly fallen into the hands of a few who manipulate the electorate. Kales focuses on the disconnect between the informed few and the politically ignorant majority, shedding light on the mechanisms of power that allow this imbalance to persist. The opening of the book introduces the idea of "unpopular government," defined as governance by a select few, contrary to the will of the majority. Kales reflects on the historical context of American governance, highlighting how mid-19th century structures, which sought to promote popular rule, have evolved into systems that inadvertently disenfranchise voters. He outlines how the increasing political burden on citizens, via frequent elections for numerous offices, has led to widespread political ignorance, for which voters often rely on external advisors. Thus, these so-called politocrats, who guide the ill-informed electorate, effectively become a ruling class, establishing a form of government that operates outside the direct will of the people.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Unpopular government in the United States, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • critical
  • somber

Albert M. Kales's "Unpopular Government in the United States" is an early 20th-century political treatise critically examining the divergence of American governance from its democratic ideals. Kales argues that despite structures designed for popular rule, power has coalesced into the hands of a select few, termed "politocrats," who manipulate an increasingly overburdened and politically ignorant electorate. The book dissects the mechanisms through which this elite minority maintains control, highlighting the disconnect between the informed few and the disengaged majority. It serves as a stark critique of the practical functioning of American democracy at the turn of the century, asserting that the will of the people is often subverted by an entrenched, self-serving political class.

“"Unpopular government is governance by a select few, contrary to the will of the majority."”

Key themes

Unpopular Government and Elite Rule
This is the central thesis of the book, arguing that despite democratic structures, governance is often carried out by a select few, contrary to the true will of the majority. Kales explores how power naturally gravitates towards an elite, who then maintain their position through various means, creating a system where popular sovereignty is undermined.
Political Ignorance and Disenfranchisement
Kales argues that the complexity and demands of the political system (frequent elections, numerous offices) overwhelm the average citizen, leading to widespread political ignorance. This ignorance, he contends, is not necessarily a failure of intelligence but a rational response to an overly burdensome system, which inadvertently disenfranchises voters by making informed participation nearly impossible.
Mechanisms of Power and Manipulation
This theme explores the specific ways in which the 'politocrats' or ruling elite exert and maintain their influence. Kales details how they leverage the political ignorance of the majority, the structural complexities of governance, and their own organizational advantages to guide the electorate and effectively control policy, thereby establishing a de facto ruling class.

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