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Chapter 18: Q. 8 (page 441)

How does rational ignorance discourage voting?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Rational ignorance discourages voting because voters think that one vote might not influence the outcome of the election.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1. Rational Ignorance.

Rational ignorance is the theory that rational people will not vote if the costs of becoming informed and voting are too high or because they know their vote will not be decisive in the election.

02

Step 2. Rational ignorance discourages voting.

Rational ignorance discourages voting because voters think that one vote might not influence the outcome of the election. This ignorance about the outcomes leads the voters not to vote. It also creates costs for voters, gaining information about the election.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why does a voting cycle make it impossible to decide on a majority-approved choice?

Given that rational ignorance discourages some people from becoming informed about elections, is it necessarily a good idea to encourage greater voter turnout? Why or why not?

How can a small special interest group win in a situation of majority voting when the benefits it seeks flow only to a small group?

Anastasia, Emma, and Greta are deciding what to do on a weekend getaway. They each suggest a first, second, and third choice and then vote on the options. Table 18.2 shows their first, second, and third choice preferences. Explain why they will have a hard time reaching a decision. Does the group prefer mountain biking to canoeing? What about canoeing compared to the beach? What about the beach compared to the original choice of mountain biking?


Anastasia
Emma
Greta
First choiceBeach
Mountain biking
Canoeing
Second choiceMountain biking

Canoeing

Beach

Third choiceCanoeing


Beach


Mountain biking

What are some reasons people might find acquiring information about politics and voting rational, in contrast to rational ignorance theory?
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