Though I am not super familiar with the research, it seems that in general more indirect democracy functions better due to the fact that voters have little incentive to cast informed votes, whereas representatives are incentivized to make informed decisions on voters behalf.
I think the book 10% Less Democracy can point you to relevant research on this topic. It was discussed briefly on MR here.
it seems that in general more indirect democracy functions better due to the fact that voters have little incentive to cast informed votes, whereas representatives are incentivized to make informed decisions on voters behalf.
To let voters cast more informed votes, there’s a whole movement around deliberation. You can argue that increases costs for voters, but I think the trade-off is unclear and likely context dependent.
The books are great pointers, will have a look at the research referenced!
Though I am not super familiar with the research, it seems that in general more indirect democracy functions better due to the fact that voters have little incentive to cast informed votes, whereas representatives are incentivized to make informed decisions on voters behalf.
I think the book 10% Less Democracy can point you to relevant research on this topic. It was discussed briefly on MR here.
You may also want to check out Caplan’s The Myth of the Rational Voter for research along similar lines.
Thanks for your thoughts!
To let voters cast more informed votes, there’s a whole movement around deliberation. You can argue that increases costs for voters, but I think the trade-off is unclear and likely context dependent.
The books are great pointers, will have a look at the research referenced!