Answer 1: What is startling about the statistic is that the wealthiest 1% of Americans hold such an enormous share of the wealth of this country. It is unexpected indeed for such concentration of wealth and power in the hands of so few people to go on being put in front of us. One is left to wonder about other challenges for the working population and how this range of inequality might affect the workings of our democracy. 

Answer 2: Living in a society characterized by big gaps in wealth can lead to many problems. 

The Poor Have Little Access To Resources: Being poor often means being unable to get a good education, health care, and housing, thereby keeping the poor in conditions of poverty. 

Disparity In Political Power: With a few wealthy people influencing politics, the laws and policies may favor the rich, leaving the less privileged. 

Social Conflict: A huge disparity creates resentment and anger which may boil over into riots. 

The effect of this can be seen very clearly within the social fabric every day. Wealthy neighborhoods boast well-resourced schools and parks limited. Schools within low-income neighborhoods are often poorly funded with few resources that further limit their opportunities to excel and make life better.