Rational Choice Model & Voting Paradox

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Questions and Answers

According to the rational choice model of voting, under what condition will a citizen most likely decide to vote?

When the personal satisfaction from voting aligns with their civic duty, irrespective of the actual impact on the election outcome.
When they are randomly selected for mandatory voting, ensuring universal participation regardless of individual cost-benefit analyses.
When their social circle or community norms strongly encourage voting, regardless of their individual assessment of benefits and costs.
When the perceived benefits of voting, such as influencing policy or supporting a preferred candidate, outweigh the effort and time required to vote. (correct)

What primary challenge does the 'paradox of voting' present to the rational choice model?

It highlights the significant role of campaign spending in influencing voter turnout, undermining the idea of independent voter decision-making.
It demonstrates that voters are primarily driven by emotional factors rather than rational calculations when making decisions.
It questions why individuals vote at all, given the minimal likelihood of their vote being decisive, thereby challenging the assumption of rational cost-benefit analysis. (correct)
It reveals that only highly informed voters participate in elections, contradicting the rational choice model's assumption of universal participation.

Which factor is LEAST likely to be considered a 'cost' in the context of the rational choice model of voting?

The effort required to register to vote and maintain an updated voter registration.
The emotional satisfaction derived from participating in a democratic process. (correct)
Fees of transportation to the polling station.
The opportunity cost of the time spent researching candidates and issues.

A local election has extremely low turnout. How might someone apply the rational choice model to explain this?

The perceived benefits of the election outcome are low and/or the costs of voting are too high. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would BEST exemplify the 'paradox of voting'?

An individual drives an hour to vote in an election where their vote has virtually no chance of changing the outcome. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might behavioral economics refine the rational choice model to better explain voting behavior?

By incorporating the concept of 'bounded rationality,' which acknowledges that voters make decisions with limited information and cognitive resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the rational choice model's assumption of individual self-interest potentially limit its ability to fully explain voter turnout?

It overlooks the influence of social pressure and civic duty, which can motivate individuals to vote even when the personal benefits are minimal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a voter is indifferent between two candidates based purely on policy platforms. According to the rational choice model, what other factor might decisively influence their voting decision?

The time and effort required to travel to the polling station, as well as any associated costs like parking or childcare. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The rational choice model suggests voters act if benefits exceed costs. How might compulsory voting laws affect this balance?

Compulsory voting increases the cost of not voting (the penalty), thereby altering the cost-benefit analysis and compelling more people to vote. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can the concept of 'expressive voting' be seen as both a challenge and a complement to the rational choice model?

It challenges the model by suggesting voters only vote to express their identity, but complements it by showing this is the main benefit they seek. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'D-term' address the paradox of voting?

By introducing the idea that voters receive direct benefits from the act of voting itself, irrespective of the outcome. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the resource model of voting, which of the following is most likely to decrease voter turnout?

Complicated voter registration processes disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'epistocracy' in practice?

All citizens are required to pass a basic civics test before being allowed to vote. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary justification typically offered in support of compulsory voting?

It ensures a more representative electorate and increases democratic legitimacy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies a deliberate act of lawbreaking intended to catalyze reform?

A group of activists stages a sit-in at a government building to protest a new policy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a 'strike' from other forms of protest?

It is a collective refusal to work. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A consumer advocacy group calls for its members to stop buying products from a company known to use child labor. What form of collective protest is this?

A boycott. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How could the rational choice model be used to explain participation in a boycott, despite the minor impact of an individual's choice?

Individuals may derive a 'D-term' benefit from supporting a cause they believe in, outweighing the minimal cost of changing consumption habits. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a country implements compulsory voting but provides no assistance to citizens in learning about the candidates or issues. How might the resource model of voting critique this system?

It would highlight that compulsory voting disproportionately burdens those with less education and time to research, thus increasing inequality. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way might a strike action be considered a challenge to, or demonstration of, the rational choice model?

The strike is predicated on the idea that the employees will ultimately prevail, by all striking together to create substantial pressure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rational choice model of voting

A political science model where citizens vote if the benefits outweigh the costs.

The paradox of voting

The question of why people vote, given the extremely low chance of a single vote deciding an election.

D-term/Direct benefits of voting

In the rational choice model of voting, these are the direct benefits a voter receives, distinct from instrumental benefits. It helps explain why people vote despite the paradox of voting.

Resource model of voting

A voting model highlighting how disparities in resources (time, money, education) lead to unequal voting costs. Lower-income and less-educated citizens often find voting too expensive.