In theory, governments are based on the concepts of representative government, with leaders elected by the people and supposedly responsible to the people and some concept of the rule of law. But in truth, over many decades, most governments have deliberately rejected this pattern, and the real power has been in the hands of some form of ruling elite. Many of these elites are content to rule through raw power; no explanations, no justifications. Other centrist elites are more vicious and oppressive, exercising blatant political domination by the power seekers, the money seekers, the liberators, the vicious zealots, the corrupters and the thieves -- and some who still think that governments are supposed to advance the well being of the people.