For example, you create a precedent for other elites to push their agenda.

Maybe elites that push their agenda have a much better chance keeping their power that don't? I'm not sure how much setting precedents limit further elites.

Something like: Don't say what schools have to teach, but make the exams independent on schools. Make the evolutionary knowledge necessary to pass a biology exam. Make it public when students or schools or cities are "failing in biology".

Basically you try to make the system more complicated to still get what you want but make people feel less manipulated.

Complicated and intransparent systems lead to conspiracy theories.