The Elite
The middle class (or bourgiousi)
New elite
25%
The upper-class (wealthy) control the power in an Elite and Class Theory. Over a third of the nation's wealth is currently held by just one percent of the American Population. Elite and Class theorists believe that this one percent of Americans controls most policy decisions because they can afford to finance election campaigns and control key institution, such as large corporations.
Anything from 0 to 90 per cent, since rich and middle class do not account for the whole population.
The class of nobles was the Second Estate.
1 percent
Patricians were wealthy, privileged aristocrats in ancient Rome who held power and influence in society due to their noble birth. They formed the upper class and controlled political and social institutions in Roman society.
50 percent
An often cited figure is 96% to 97% of the population.
Almost 80%
The largest social class in Colonial America was the middle class. The highest class was the gentry.