One of the core challenges in governing a 21st century nation is the tension between unelected government managers and voters.

Recently, a Napolitan Institute survey of federal government managers addressed this by asking the government leaders how they should respond if they thought regulations were needed but they were overwhelmingly opposed by voters. Most (54%) said they would ignore the voters and impose the regulation. Only 35% said they would respect the view of the voters.

Few doubt the need for government experts to examine issues and propose responses. But, for a nation founded on the belief that government derives its only just authority from the consent of the governed, having government leaders ignore voters is problematic. A better model might be to think of private sector experts like financial advisors or doctors. They offer expert advice, but it's up to the individual to decide whether to take it.

The Napolitan Institute survey of 500 government managers was conducted by RMG Research May 1-15, 2024 as part of the Elite 1% project.

For more information on this study and the Elite 1% project, please visit napolitaninstitute.org.