Garett Jones
Professor of Economics, George Mason University; author of 10% Less Democracy.
For greater insulation from direct electoral control.
View Garett’s profileOnline SuperDebate
Would Less Electoral Control Improve Government?
Garett Jones vs. Anthony Fowler
When does electoral accountability improve policy, and when does it get in the way? Garett Jones and Anthony Fowler debate how much distance the United States should put between voters and public policy decisions.
Recording scheduled for October 22, 2026. Public release date to be announced.
The resolution · United States
The United States would be better governed if more public policy decisions were insulated from direct electoral control.
Anthony Fowler
Sydney A. Stein Jr. Professor, University of Chicago Harris School.
Against the resolution.
View Anthony’s profileAbout this debate
Elections give citizens a way to hold government accountable. They can also create pressure to favor immediate political rewards over longer-term policy choices. This SuperDebate asks whether the United States would govern better by insulating more public policy decisions from direct electoral control. Garett Jones argues the affirmative; Anthony Fowler argues the negative. The exchange brings institutional design into conversation with empirical research on elections and representation.
Questions at the center
- When does electoral pressure improve public policy?
- Which decisions, if any, should have greater independence?
- What does the evidence show about voter competence and responsiveness?
- Who holds independent decision-makers accountable?
- How should we weigh expertise, legitimacy, and long-term outcomes?
The format
A recorded online SuperDebate with equal-time opening arguments, direct cross-examination, rebuttals, and closing arguments. The debate is expected to run approximately 45 minutes.
The recording will be released afterward. Public release date to be announced.