An Economic Theory of Democracy.
Экономическая теория демократии
1958-08-01
SCID: 54.1/dk2aueqa
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Downs theoryRiker and Ordeshook 1968rational calculus of votingrational voter paradoxvoter turnout
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Abstract (AI)
Downs presents a rational calculus of voting that has inspired much of the later work on voting and turnout. Particularly significant was his conclusion that a rational voter should almost never bother to vote. This conclusion, especially as elaborated on by Riker and Ordeshook (1968) has shifted the attention of modern political scientists from explaining why people don't vote to explaining why they do.
Key Findings
1
A central conclusion is that a rational voter should almost never bother to vote.
2
Downs formulates a rational calculus of voting that frames voting decisions as utility-maximizing choices.
3
Riker and Ordeshook (1968) elaborated Downs's conclusion, reinforcing its influence on subsequent theories of turnout.
4
This paradoxical conclusion redirected political science research focus from explaining non-voting to explaining why people do vote.
Research Object
Democratic voting behavior in electorates (voters' decision to vote or abstain)
Research Subject
Rational calculus of voting predicting low turnout, i.e., the decision-making mechanism and incentives leading a rational voter to rarely vote
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1958-08-01
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