Final answer:
The ideology of the American elite has seen shifts over time, although it is difficult to generalize. Early in history, such as the 1960s, a more liberal outlook was identified with, but by the end of the decade, there was a significant conservative intellectual movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideology of the American elite has shifted over time and can be challenging to categorize due to the dynamic nature of political attitudes. In early periods, such as the 1960s, most Americans identified with liberal ideas, and conservatives were often associated with figures on the fringe, like the John Birch Society. However, by the end of the decade, conservative intellectuals were refining their ideas, leading to a conservative revival, indicating a shift toward a more conservative outlook among some parts of the American elite.
It's also important to recognize that political values among elites can vary sharply, and wealthy individuals might support either liberal or conservative causes. Moreover, the ideologies in the United States spectrum range from far-right, prioritizing government control over personal freedoms, to far-left, prioritizing equality. Consequently, the answer may not be straightforward, as there can be a mix within the elite depending on the time period and individual beliefs.