The conventional wisdom that democracy is the best form of government is challenged by the observation that its strengths are relative, not absolute, and contingent on the context of the governed, the governing, and the underlying institutions. While most people, regardless of political affiliation, harbor high hopes for democracy, especially when they believe they can manipulate its levers, the reality often falls short of these expectations. The flaws of democracy, particularly the potential for the “tyranny of the majority,” are rooted in the inherent limitations of political markets and the cognitive biases of voters.
Public Choice economics highlights the foibles of political markets, including the disproportionate power of interest groups, the unjust exercise of power by the general public, and the misuse of power to redistribute resources. Rational ignorance, a concept central to this critique, posits that voters, possessing minimal influence in political outcomes, find it economically irrational to invest heavily in understanding complex policy issues. This leads to a public that is often ill-informed and apathetic, tolerating diffuse costs while concentrated benefits accrue to well-organized interest groups. The media, driven by consumer demand for affirmation and entertainment, often reinforces this ignorance by catering to confirmation biases and ideological segregation, further exacerbating dogmatism and tribalism.
The concept of irrational ignorance extends this critique by arguing that voters not only lack knowledge but also hold systematically biased beliefs about policy. These biases, such as anti-market, anti-foreign, make-work, and pessimism, lead to systemic errors in policy preferences that are not corrected through the aggregation of votes. This irrationality, combined with the psychological benefits derived from political participation, such as tribal affiliation and the enjoyment of political spectacle, results in a public that is both ignorant and dogmatic.
Populism, often seen as the epitome of democratic expression, is also fraught with problems. While it can serve as a check on elite power, it can also devolve into a tyranny of the majority, eroding individual liberties and undermining the rule of law. The inherent limitations of majority rule, particularly in complex policy decisions with multiple alternatives, further exacerbate these problems. The absence of a clear criterion for judging the “general welfare” and the strategic manipulation of the political agenda by leaders contribute to outcomes that often diverge from the idealized notion of popular will.
The excessive politicization of life, a consequence of democratic triumphalism, further undermines the efficacy of democracy. The belief that all societal ills can be cured by more democracy leads to an expansion of government intervention and a corresponding reduction in individual freedom. This overemphasis on political solutions to societal problems can distract from the importance of other civil liberties and create a society where life is increasingly defined by political participation.
Moreover, the rise of populist and antipopulist movements, often fueled by paranoia and apocalyptic theories, has further destabilized democratic institutions. The proliferation of social media and 24/7 cable news has amplified these tendencies, creating an environment of heightened apprehension and distrust. The division between elites and “deplorables,” experts and laypeople, has deepened, leading to a breakdown in civil discourse and a questioning of the legitimacy of democratic processes.
In conclusion, the authors argue that while democracy may be the least bad form of government, its limitations are significant and often overlooked. The tyranny of the majority, the prevalence of rational and irrational ignorance, and the excessive politicization of life undermine its efficacy. A more nuanced understanding of democracy, one that acknowledges its flaws and seeks to mitigate them through limited government, constitutional protections, and individual morality, is essential for preserving liberty and achieving better policy outcomes.
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