It just seems like that since the rich currently use that to keep the status quo. I'm reminded of the fact that whatever house of congress the republicans own

It just seems like that since the rich currently use that to keep the status quo. I'm reminded of the fact that whatever house of congress the republicans own all of a sudden become the most important legislative body. When the Dems had the house and the Reps had the senate, the house was an afterthought. When reversed, the house were the arbiters of final word on legislation (at least it was based on CNN's characterization for the last 20-odd years). The state of gerrymandering also reflects this, to reduce the political power of democratic strength in populous cities. If the rich had their power via cities, then districting would enforce this and the house would be the most powerful. The federal government has inertia by design since the spoils system was removed. The rich have the means to influence this inertia over time. Also, do you wonder why elections are so close? The rich pay only enough to form a coalition to maintain the status quo. They buy just enough to win some of the time, and even if they lose, they roadblock changes. They advance the agenda when they win, and resist when they don't. Over time, that has resulted in the current state of wealth inequality.