The Economics of Voting

Studies of self-interest, bargaining, duty and rights

Business & Finance, Economics
Cover of the book The Economics of Voting by Dan Usher, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dan Usher ISBN: 9781317393443
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 22, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Dan Usher
ISBN: 9781317393443
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 22, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The economics of voting is about whether and to what extent self-interest may be relied upon in voting. The central proposition in economics is that the world’s work gets done satisfactorily when each person does what they think is best for themselves. The commonsense view of the matter is that this outcome alone would be chaos.

This book examines voting in four key terms: self-interest, bargaining, duty and rights. Self-interest creates a voting equilibrium on various issues, notably the redistribution of income. Bargaining has a larger role to play in voting than in commerce, as it becomes essential in the formation of platforms of political parties and for the passage of laws. A duty to vote arises from the fact that a person’s vote has only an infinitesimal chance of influencing the outcome of an election. Rights are a democracy’s first line of defense against exploitation that, unless constrained, the majority rule voting enables voters to expropriate the corresponding minority, undermining democracy completely.

Four key questions are asked in this book. When is there self-interest in majority rule voting comparable to the general interest in markets? To what extent does ‘government by majority rule voting’ depend upon bargaining as well as voting? Can willingness to vote be attributed to self-interest or is a sense of duty required? Does democracy require property rights? Through an examination of these terms, this book argues that they are indispensable requirements for the maintenance of government by majority rule voting. This book is essential for those who study political economy, economic theory and philosophy as well as political theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The economics of voting is about whether and to what extent self-interest may be relied upon in voting. The central proposition in economics is that the world’s work gets done satisfactorily when each person does what they think is best for themselves. The commonsense view of the matter is that this outcome alone would be chaos.

This book examines voting in four key terms: self-interest, bargaining, duty and rights. Self-interest creates a voting equilibrium on various issues, notably the redistribution of income. Bargaining has a larger role to play in voting than in commerce, as it becomes essential in the formation of platforms of political parties and for the passage of laws. A duty to vote arises from the fact that a person’s vote has only an infinitesimal chance of influencing the outcome of an election. Rights are a democracy’s first line of defense against exploitation that, unless constrained, the majority rule voting enables voters to expropriate the corresponding minority, undermining democracy completely.

Four key questions are asked in this book. When is there self-interest in majority rule voting comparable to the general interest in markets? To what extent does ‘government by majority rule voting’ depend upon bargaining as well as voting? Can willingness to vote be attributed to self-interest or is a sense of duty required? Does democracy require property rights? Through an examination of these terms, this book argues that they are indispensable requirements for the maintenance of government by majority rule voting. This book is essential for those who study political economy, economic theory and philosophy as well as political theory.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book New Women in Colonial Korea by Dan Usher
Cover of the book The People's Congresses and Governance in China by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Children's Rights in Africa by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Creating Heritage for Tourism by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Ecological Economics from the Ground Up by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Participation in Environmental Organizations by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Ancient Graffiti in Context by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Biofuels, Food Security, and Developing Economies by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Citizens, Families, and Reform by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Anti-Jacobin Novels, Part I, Volume 1 by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Reducing Inequalities in Health by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Investigations in Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Gender, Welfare State and the Market by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Music Therapy with Adults with Learning Disabilities by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Housing Policy in Britain and Europe by Dan Usher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy