, Columnist
Brexit Casts Doubt on the Wisdom of Crowds
Research suggests that smaller groups can make better decisions, particularly on complex issues.
Don't ask them tough questions.
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During the next couple months, the various candidates to replace U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron will debate what to do now that voters have decided to leave the European Union. They should keep in mind that doing exactly what the voters said might not be the wisest -- or even the most democratic -- approach.
Direct democracy, in which voters decide specific issues en masse, is actually rather unusual. Typically, they leave such decisions to elected officials, such as a president or legislature, whom they provide with the time and resources needed to make well-informed choices.