Nein, es ging bei der Frage der special privileges um den Gegensatz zur Chanchengleichheit innerhalb der Gesellschaft. Für die USA wird dabei ein kontinuierlicher Konflikt zwischen Liberalismus und Konservatismus, Demokratie und Elitenherrschaft von wenigen Familien und allgemeiner Chancengleichheit und auf Wenige begrenzte Privilegien angenommen.
In diesem Sinne schrieben sie:
"The reformers goals had been clear and simple: to restore government to the people; to abolish special privilege and ensure queal opportunity for all; and to enact a series of laws embodying principles of social justice.".....On the contrary they had taken seriosuly the American dream; their fundamental goal had been a democratic and humane society based on egalitarian ideals and social compassion. The real enemies of society were the businessmen, dishonest politicians, and "special interests," all of whom posed a serious threat to the realization of American democracy." (vgl. Grob & Bilias, S. 218ff)
Grob, Gerald N.; Billias, George Athan (Hg.) (1982): Interpretations of American history. Patterns and perspectives. New York: The Free Press.