Balaji Srinivasan, a tech entrepreneur and investor, wrote an article on Substack titled "California Is Not a Democracy". In the article, he argues that California's political system is not democratic, but rather a technocratic oligarchy. He claims that the state's large population, powerful unions, and wealthy tech industry have led to a system where decisions are made by a small group of elites rather than the people. He further claims that this system is detrimental to individual freedom and economic mobility.

Srinivasan's argument centers around the idea that California's system of government, which combines direct democracy (through initiatives and referendums) with representative democracy, has become unresponsive to the needs of the average citizen. He cites examples such as the state's high taxes, strict environmental regulations, and the influence of powerful unions as evidence of this. He also argues that the tech industry's dominance in the state has led to a culture of censorship and political correctness, which stifles free speech and creativity.

Srinivasan's article has been met with both praise and criticism. Some have lauded him for shedding light on the problems with California's political system, while others have criticized him for oversimplifying complex issues and promoting a narrow, libertarian worldview. Regardless of one's opinion on the article, it highlights the ongoing debates about the nature of democracy and the role of technology in shaping political systems.