Marxist perspective 

                The Marxist perspective plays a considerable role within political theory (Marx and Engels, 1848). However, its applicability towards an understanding of the American system has been somewhat muted. Marxism has long been verboten within American discourse, which may well have led political commentators to downplay its significance. Marxism however does cast some light upon the American political system, particularly the role and significance of pressure groups.

                Marxism is at heart a critique of the capitalist system. The Marxist perspective argues that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat as a result of the power dynamics within a capitalist economic system. As a consequence, the political process is dominated by wealthy interests that serve to uphold the dominance of one social class over another. In making this bold claim, there is some level of overlap with the elitist description of the political process. However, Marxism seeks to put forward a prescription for a utopian society whereas elitism does not.

                A modern-day manifestation of the Marxist perspective is the Occupy movement. It seems somewhat appropriate that the movement was borne just outside the epicenter of the financial services industry, as there could scarcely be a more potent illustration of the power wielded by the bourgeoisie than Wall Street. Although it is sometimes criticized for lacking an overall narrative, OWS certainly reflects a Marxist perspective upon the capitalist economic system.