The capitalist class rules but does not govern: it contents itself with ruling the government.
Interpretation
The capitalist class exerts influence over government while not directly governing itself.
This quote by Karl Kautsky highlights the dynamic between the capitalist class and political governance, suggesting that while capitalists hold significant power and influence over the state, they do not engage in governance directly. Instead, they manipulate and control the political apparatus from the background, focusing on maintaining their ruling status rather than involving themselves in the day-to-day management of government affairs.
In practice
During a lecture on the influence of money in politics, one might reference this quote to illustrate the relationship between capitalism and governance.
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