Of the entities that have sway over policy,even in a so-called democratic system, the general public ranks very low.
The poorer they are, the less their influence, regardless of whether they are a massive segment of the population or not. The “Investment Theory” of Thomas Ferguson has documented this reality quite thoroughly.
The entities which have the most sway, obviously, are those with the most capital : corporations, banks, investors, etc. Not only do these hold power over the political process; and not only does government therefore serve their interests, but, indeed, they largely determine the daily realities of our own lives.
The point here is that it makes far more sense for activists, protesters, revolutionaries, etc.(who comprise that portion of society with the least influence), to focus their energy and efforts not on the government itself, but rather, upon that segment of society which has the MOST influence over government.
We are not in a position to pressure the government, but we are in a position to pressure those who CAN pressure the government.