POLI SCI 220 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Peter Ordeshook, Divided Government
8 Mar 2018
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Calculus of voting - an economic approach to explaining voting. Rational choice - does not explain how people act, instead explains outcomes. If a model can predict an outcome, it is a good model. Equation: r=bp - c - to explain voter turnout. R = reward an individual receives from voting. P = probability of vote mattering/swaying outcome. B = benefit of one"s candidate winning over another. C = cost of voting (time, effort) If r > 0 then vote, if r < 0 it"s not reasonable to vote. Problem: cost almost always outweighs the benefits. R = pb - c + d. Compliance, affirming preference, allegiance to political system, etc. D counterbalances/beats c, explains why some people turn out and vote. Rational voting: a rational choice take on voting. Not meant to explain how people act, meant to explain outcomes. Pocketbook voting: voting based on perceptions of government"s effect on their personal finances and employment.
