ECO 481: Public Choice Theory The Idealized State Dr. Dennis Foster

“Poli Sci” view of Gov’t. Benign & Fair: Participatory democracy. Motivation to act in the public interest. Political agents are balancing competing claims And, achieving an optimal outcome!? Political participation is inspiring. Is it religious? At least at local level this seems true. Or, is it? Bell example.

Visions of the Polity We are not governed by “common” men. Pluralism: We are not governed by “common” men. Promote competition of political interests. Federalist #10 and factions. Dahl: “Because one center of power is set against another, power itself will be tamed, civilized, controlled and limited to decent human purposes, while coercion, the most evil form of power, will be reduced to a minimum.” (Truman) Gov’t shouldn’t be judged by efficiency; other criteria here. What, then? Stability/equality/citizen control?

Other Visions of the Polity Elitism: Upper socioeconomic status. Want to preserve the system. May not rule directly - politicians as “agents.” People have illusion of control. Soros & Koch versus Kennedy & Bush. Are they concerned with overcoming market failure? Countervailing power: JKG - need large gov’t to offset corps. & unions.

Scientific Management Rise of “public administration.” Scientific research will show us the way. Determining what people want. Determining what people should want! The rise of the regulatory state. Internet, sugar & fat & salt, toys, DDT. “Satisficing” outcomes. Hayek critique - the worst get on top. MMS case. --The GSA.

The Idealized State State planning requires depoliticizing decisions. Gov’t planning to make “good markets.” Is it really market failure that pre-existing conditions don’t (usually) get covered by insurance? Economic growth makes us poorer (!) Erlich vs. Simon bet. Competitive economy generates winners and losers. Need for centralized information to create policy. DDT? Global Warming?

What is missing? “Those who argue that market failure justifies government action don’t stop to ask: What incentives exist in government? Who wins and who loses? Are the actual outcomes different from those we hope for? Do good intentions in government produce good results?”

DDT Resources Stossel WHO World Malaria Day DDT Fraud and Tragedy What the World Needs Now Is DDT Pesticide Action Network

ECO 481: Public Choice Theory The Idealized State Dr. Dennis Foster