Who Rules America? EP1 | When Big Business Runs the Government

The documentary provides a compelling and well-structured argument that the United States is effectively ruled by a power elite, as originally theorized by C. Wright Mills. It successfully uses interviews with academics, activists, and ordinary citizens to illustrate the pervasive influence of corporate and financial interests on government policy. The historical context, from the founding of the nation to the present, is used effectively to show the evolution of this power structure. However, the documentary is clearly one-sided, presenting a critical perspective without offering counterarguments or perspectives from defenders of the current system. This lack of balance may undermine its credibility for some viewers. The sources cited, such as C. Wright Mills’ ‘The Power Elite’ and the work of scholars like Eric Foner, lend academic weight to the arguments. Yet, the film does not provide a rigorous analysis of the mechanisms by which this elite operates, relying more on anecdotal evidence and assertions. The production quality is typical of a documentary, with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and narration. The title accurately reflects the content, and the film is successful in raising important questions about the nature of American democracy. However, its age (2012) means that some specific examples, such as the Iraq War and the Obama administration, are dated. Overall, the documentary is a thought-provoking introduction to the topic, but it would benefit from a more balanced and up-to-date analysis.

The title accurately reflects the content, which investigates the influence of big business and corporate interests on the US government.

6/10

The documentary presents a critical perspective on power structures in the US, featuring interviews with academics and activists. It is a 2012 production, so some data may be dated. The arguments are supported by references to C. Wright Mills and historical events, but the presentation is one-sided and lacks counterarguments.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction to Wall Street and the question of who rules America.
• 02:00Discussion of the power elite concept with Eric Foner.
• 24:03Historical overview of democracy in America.
• 48:09Examination of corporate influence on government.

• The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills — Referenced as the foundational text for the concept of the power elite.
• Left Forum — Venue for interviews with progressive intellectuals.

• The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills — The documentary's central thesis aligns with Mills' theory.
• The Military-Industrial Complex by Dwight D. Eisenhower — Eisenhower's warning about the influence of the military-industrial complex is echoed in the documentary.

• Theda Skocpol and Vanessa Williamson, The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism — This work offers a contrasting view, emphasizing grassroots movements and their influence on politics, which challenges the documentary's focus on elite dominance.