The differences between Russian and American political system.

"Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organised groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on US government policy, while average citizens and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence." So concluded a recent study by Princeton University Prof Martin Gilens and Northwestern University Prof Benjamin I Page. The study basic bottom line was that the wealthy few move policy, while the average American has little power and that the US is dominated by a rich and powerful elite- an oligarchy . The study concluded that :"Americans do enjoy many features central to democratic governance, such as regular elections, freedom of speech and association and a widespread (if still contested) franchise. But we believe that if policymaking is dominated by powerful business organisations and a small number of affluent Americans, then America's claims to being a democratic society are seriously threatened. " Source: http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FPPS%2FPPS12_03%2FS1537592714001595a.pdf&code=a1a3f6eb081cf390388169c5ae3c5095