Elitism versus Populism

Rafael Jacob in Party Politics · August 13, 2026

Who is more committed to democracy: the people or the elites? Critics of populism and advocates of elitist democracy often place more trust in political elites than in the general public. However, this confidence may be misplaced. In five experiments with local politicians, state legislators, and members of the public, I find a similar willingness across all groups to entrench their party’s power when given the opportunity—a self-serving majoritarianism that transcends partisan lines. This tendency is strongest among committed ideologues, politicians running in highly competitive districts, and those who perceive opponents as especially threatening. Local elected officials even appear more focused on securing their party’s next presidential victory than on opposing bans against their political rivals. These findings challenge the conventional mass/elite dichotomy, revealing little differences in undemocratic attitudes. Safeguarding democracy likely requires shifting focus from those individual attitudes—whether among elites or the public—to strengthening institutional restraints against majority abuses.