In "Democracy in Chains," Nancy MacLean explores Calhoun's concerns about the concentration of power among a select group of property rights advocates. He believed that such a government, dominated by like-minded elites, could threaten individual freedoms and undermine democratic principles. Calhoun's fears stem from the idea that a small, wealthy elite might manipulate political systems to serve their interests, potentially at the expense of the broader population.

MacLean highlights that Calhoun's warnings resonate today, as modern U.S. policymakers and groups continue to prioritize property rights and wealth accumulation. The book suggests that these efforts are part of a long-standing, covert strategy by the radical right to transform American democracy into a system that favors a powerful minority. Calhoun's insights serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked influence by an elite class in government.