Unfortunately, leadership of today’s public institutions—especially national security agencies—fail to reflect Jefferson’s ideal of a natural aristocracy. Instead, advancement within today’s institutions is largely determined by whether a candidate attended one of the expensive feeder schools along the northeastern D.C.-Boston corridor. Securing national security jobs and building professional networks needed to stay informed about openings, enhance resumes, and excel in interviews is often tied to socioeconomic advantages . Students from privileged backgrounds benefit from financial support and parental safety nets, easing their transition to Washington for internships and early careers. Most students from working-class families opt out, limiting socioeconomic and geographic representation in national security agencies.

Thomas Jefferson envisioned an American society in which the most talented people—rather than the richest and most well connected—shaped and implemented policy. To Jefferson, the United States should be a meritocracy, unburdened by the aristocratic ways of old Europe.

Thomas Jefferson envisioned an American society in which the most talented people—rather than the richest and most well connected—shaped and implemented policy. To Jefferson, the United States should be a meritocracy, unburdened by the aristocratic ways of old Europe.

Unfortunately, leadership of today’s public institutions—especially national security agencies—fail to reflect Jefferson’s ideal of a natural aristocracy. Instead, advancement within today’s institutions is largely determined by whether a candidate attended one of the expensive feeder schools along the northeastern D.C.-Boston corridor. Securing national security jobs and building professional networks needed to stay informed about openings, enhance resumes, and excel in