Explain briefly the elite theory of democracy. (Answer in 150 words)

- Explain briefly the elite theory of democracy. (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
Elite theory holds that rule by a minority is inescapable. Democratic elitism accepts this and salvages democracy by relocating it from popular rule to competition for power.

Body

1. The classical foundation: Pareto's circulation of elites, Mosca's ruling class and Michels's iron law of oligarchy establish that organisation itself manufactures oligarchy.
2. Schumpeter's redefinition: Democracy becomes an arrangement in which leaders acquire power through a competitive struggle for the people's vote. The people produce a government; they do not govern.
3. Competing elites: Dahl's polyarchy pluralises the elite, and Sartori defends open, selective elites as the realistic content of democracy.
4. The radical variant: C. Wright Mills's The Power Elite finds a cohesive corporate, military and political triangle, making elections a ritual rather than a choice.
5. The critique: Bachrach and Pateman argue that democratic elitism turns apathy from a defect into a virtue and abandons participation's educative function.

Conclusion
Elite theory is a corrective to democratic romanticism, not a substitute for it. A theory demanding only periodic choice between elites cannot explain why participation matters.