What are the strengths and shortcomings of the following arguments?

While elements of the pluralist theory are present in the constitutional convention, through looking at the constituents of the event and their arguments and motives it is evident that the politics of the convention reflected the theory of elitism.

Elite theory suggests that power actually rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful individuals(Morone & Kersh, 2021)

In an attempt to reshape their newborn government, fifty five delegates convened in Philadelphia where they formed the U.S constitution. Among the delegates of the Constitutional Convention were George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton; all state elected officials representing the voters. I believe that these individuals acted upon the will of the voters and the best interest of the country. However, that being said, as a reflection of the time, said voters mainly included men who were landowners. Moreover, according to the Constitutional Rights Foundation, these voters consisted of only 10-20% of the population. Not only were the delegates wealthy and powerful figures, but the voters themselves were primarily upper class individuals. Looking at the people who were entitled to vote in the delegates, the delegates themselves, and recalling the definition of elite theory it is evident that this idea is demonstrated.

As Morone and Kersh explain in our assigned textbook, many constitutional convention delegates felt that they needed to limit the power given to the people. The Articles of Confederation had over-empowered citizens and left a weak central government. "The people should have as little to do as may be about the government. They lack information and are constantly liable to be misled." (United States Senate). Connecticut representative Roger Sherman makes this statement regarding direct elections at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. This remark serves as a prime example of the theory of elitism. It is clear that Sherman, an elite official, believed that as educated individuals, the powerful and wealthy should maintain control of the government and perform in the best interests of the public. The delegates goals of maintaining power while limiting the influence of the people is precisely the definition of the theory of elitism.

Furthermore, through observing the voters, officials in power, and their arguments at the Constitutional Convention, it is evident that the theory of elitism is strongly exhibited. Nevertheless, I do believe that the constitutional convention set the stage for the democratic system that we have today, which strongly reflects the theory of pluralism.