Research on unequal responsiveness shows that policies tend to align more closely with the preferences of high-income citizens than low-income citizens. (2)

Using comparative data on opinions and policies, we suggest that this inequality primarily results from status quo bias; asymmetric blocking power drives unequal congruence. (3)

It is not that high-income citizens are better at achieving policy change, but that they are better at blocking reforms favored by lower-income citizens. (4)

Drawing on data from 43 countries and more than 130 policy issues, we show that high-income citizens’ advantage stems largely from their satisfaction with preserving the status quo. (5)