10% Less Democracy

"10% Less Democracy is a joy to read. If you liked Freakonomics or Predictably Irrational, you'll love this book. It deserves to be read widely, widely discussed—and acted upon. A tour de force combining the best economic insight with real-world, practical applications. Every chapter demonstrates ways in which reducing democratic control over certain decisions reliably results in better outcomes for all. We should jettison our religious attachment to democracy and see it for what it is: a tool good only in moderation." ~Jason Brennan, author of Cracks in the Ivory Tower

"How can we rescue democracy from the slough of despond into which it has fallen? In this lucidly written book, Garett Jones makes the case for a surprising answer: the best way to improve democracy is to have a bit less of it. It's only by handing power to technical experts, lengthening congressional terms, staggering elections, and reducing direct democracy that we can save the invaluable core of democracy from self-destruction." ~Adrian Wooldridge, co-author of Capitalism in America: An Economic History

"Invocation of 'democracy' is one of the most ill-defined canards of modern discourse. In this revisionist work, rooted in common sense, Jones shows that effective representative government does not in fact rest on pure democracy, but does rely on well-functioning elites. Definitely recommended." ~Tyler Cowen, Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics at George Mazon University, Author of Big Business: A Love Letter to an American Anti-Hero

"The belief in democracy is strong in most rich, democratic countries, even sacred. Why in the world would anyone propose ten percent less of it? The key is sharpening our thinking on what 'democracy' means. Once we allow a sharper definiteion, decision-making by the vote of all, we demystify 'democracy' and more sensibly assess its pluses and minuses. Jones' argument is persuasive and rests on global data." ~Charlotta Stern, Professor of Sociology, Stockholm University, Deputy Director of the Ratio Institute

"If a genie told me that James Madison had been reincarnated as another person and had written an update to the Federalist Papers, I'd say, 'It's Garett Jones and 10% Less Democracy, right?'" ~Tim Groseclose, Professor of Economics, George Mason University

"Mr Jones musters plenty of convincing evidence that fewer elections and more distance between voters and decisions make for better governance." ~The Economist

"In his cheeky new book, 10% Less Democracy, the economist Garett Jones makes a counter-zeitgeist case for more 'epistocracy,' or rule by the knowledgeable. Recent weeks have rather made the case for him and altered that zeitgeist." ~Janan Ganesh, Financial Times

"Overall, the book embodies a courageous attempt to grapple with the weaknesses of democratic decision-making... Jones provides copious sparks to reflect on democratic practice by setting out the proposals, pondering their viability and defending their soundness. Stylistically, his reasoning proceeds orderly and fluidly, accompanying the reader with data and examples which contributes in making his thesis clear." ~Paolo Bodini, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice