Browse
Issues
Is Smaller Government Smarter Government?
Ilya Somin argues that the best democracies are small, local, and limited in power: Political ignorance means voters don't do well with more.
Essays
Democracy and Political Ignorance
Ilya Somin argues that political ignorance poses problems for democracy. He recommends smaller democracies, where these problems are more tractable.
Essays
The Fox and the Hedgehog: How Do We Achieve Political Accountability Given What Voters (Don’t) Know?
Heather Gerken admires Somin's work on political ignorance but contrasts it with David Schleicher's: Might more nuanced party loyalties be enough?
Essays
Don’t Voters Get Things Right?
Sean Trende argues that voters do better than we might expect given their political ignorance.
Essays
Ignorance, Yes. Rational, No.
Jeffrey Friedman argues that rational ignorance is false. Voters understand neither how little their votes matter, nor how little they know.
Essays
Of Parties, Moving Costs, Hedgehogs, and Foxes: Reply to Heather Gerken
Ilya Somin responds to Heather Gerken on federalism, voting with your feet, and voter ignorance.
Essays
Do Voters Know Enough to Make Good Decisions on Important Issues? Reply to Sean Trende
Ilya Somin replies to Sean Trende: Voters don't know enough to make good decisions.