,Chapter 6: Public
choice theory
,Learning outcomes (1)
• Discuss the Rawlsian theory of justice and comment on its r
to recent political developments in South Africa
• Explain the median voter theory, and indicate its potential s
and weaknesses
• Discuss the meaning and importance of Kenneth Arrow’s
impossibility theorem
• Consider whether logrolling (or vote trading) is an efficient m
improving the outcomes of a majority voting system
• Explain the theory of optimal voting rules and consider the
of whether it does provide an optimal rule for majority votin
3
, Learning outcomes (2)
• Discuss the maximising behaviour of politicians and bureauc
consider the implications of this behaviour for majority voti
• Explain the origins and consequences of rent-seeking
4
choice theory
,Learning outcomes (1)
• Discuss the Rawlsian theory of justice and comment on its r
to recent political developments in South Africa
• Explain the median voter theory, and indicate its potential s
and weaknesses
• Discuss the meaning and importance of Kenneth Arrow’s
impossibility theorem
• Consider whether logrolling (or vote trading) is an efficient m
improving the outcomes of a majority voting system
• Explain the theory of optimal voting rules and consider the
of whether it does provide an optimal rule for majority votin
3
, Learning outcomes (2)
• Discuss the maximising behaviour of politicians and bureauc
consider the implications of this behaviour for majority voti
• Explain the origins and consequences of rent-seeking
4
