Suppose that residents of a town are asked to vote on the best way to improve the safety of an intersection. The three choices are: a stoplight, a 4-way stop, and a 2-way stop. When the mayor asks the residents to choose between a stoplight and a 4-way stop, the residents choose a 4-way stop. Then, when the mayor asks them to choose between a 4-way stop and a 2-way stop, they choose a 2-way stop. However, if the mayor firsts asks the residents to choose between a 4-way stop and a 2-way stop, they choose a 2-way stop. Then, when the mayor asks the residents to choose between a 2-way stop and a stoplight, they choose a stoplight. What does this example illustrate?
A)Arrow's impossibility theorem
B)the Condorcet paradox
C)a Borda count
D)the median voter theorem

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This example illustrates the Condorcet paradox, which occurs when the outcome of an election depends on the order in which candidates or options are presented for consideration. In this case, the preferences of the residents are not transitive - they prefer the 4-way stop over the stoplight, the 2-way stop over the 4-way stop, and the stoplight over the 2-way stop. This inconsistency in preferences makes it impossible to determine a clear winner using a simple voting system, and highlights the limitations of relying solely on majority rule in decision-making.

Suppose That Residents of a Town Are Asked to Vote