According to the Elite politics view, what influences government the most?

The elite politics view posits that a small, powerful group holds the most significant influence over government decision-making and policy formulation. This perspective emphasizes that access to power and resources allows these elites—often comprised of wealthy individuals, political leaders, and corporate interests—to shape the agenda and determine outcomes that align with their interests. Unlike models that prioritize the influence of the general population or public opinion, elite theory suggests that the voices of ordinary citizens are often diluted in the face of this concentrated power. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the belief that societal elites have an outsized impact on governance compared to other potential influences.