The theory of elite control in politics posits that a small group of elite individuals or organizations wield disproportionate power in shaping public policies and governance. It suggests that policy decisions reflect the interests of these elites rather than the broader population. Elite control can manifest through political contributions, lobbying, and influence over media narratives. Critics argue that this undermines democratic processes and represents a deviation from the ideal of representative government, while proponents contend that elites can bring expertise and stability. Understanding this theory is fundamental to analyzing power dynamics in political systems.