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 The War for Independence and the Transformation of American Society by Dan Usher
Cover of the book How to Measure and Manage Your Corporate Reputation by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Difference / Indifference by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Before Science by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Political Communication and Leadership by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Meeting the Standards in Using ICT for Secondary Teaching by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Contemporary Human Rights Ideas by Dan Usher
Cover of the book The Values of Psychotherapy by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Moving Teacher Education into Urban Schools and Communities by Dan Usher
Cover of the book The Principles and Practice of Tonal Counterpoint by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Art Therapy in the Early Years by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Re-Imagining Sociology in India by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Russia and China by Dan Usher
Cover of the book Sacred Music in Secular Society by Dan Usher
Cover of the book The Pension Fund Revolution 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