Final answer:
Groups of Americans with less influence over the American government historically include the poor, minorities, and other marginalized communities, with wealthy elites possessing more control. Civic engagement and participation in interest groups can potentially amplify the voices of these less influential groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who has less influence over the American government?
In the context of the American government, certain groups of Americans have historically had less influence over government policies and decision-making. The elite theory of government suggests that a small, wealthy, and powerful segment of the population—comprised of economic and political elites—holds a disproportionate amount of influence over government actions. In contrast, the pluralist theory posits that power is distributed amongst many competing interest groups, allowing more diverse citizen engagement. Nevertheless, research by political scientist Martin Gilens indicates that policies often favor the wealthy when their interests conflict with those of poorer citizens, suggesting that economic status is a significant factor. Additionally, there have been historical and ongoing struggles for various groups—such as women, African Americans, and other minorities—to achieve equal voting rights and representation. It is important to note that civic engagement and participation in organized groups or movements can increase the power of ordinary people to exert some level of influence over government actions.