Elite -Mass Conflict
The elite model portrays public policy as a reflection of the interests and values of elites. The model does not necessarily require that elites and masses be locked in conflict - conflict in which elites inevitably prevail at the expense of masses. Rather,the model envision elites determining the direction of public, policy, with the masses largely apathetic and poorly informed and /or heavily influenced by elite view. The model also acknowledges that elites may choose to pursue "public regarding"policies that benefit masses. Nonetheless,critics of the elite model often demand proof of elite-mass conflict over public policy and the subsequent shaping of policy to reflect elite preferences over mass well-being. Indeed, critics often elites knowingly pursue policies that benefit themselves while hurting a majority of Americans. While this is not a fair test of elite theory, there is do pursue ample evidence that on occasion elites arrow self-serving interests.