Congressman Flack votes for a program that will benefit the constituents of Congressman Walpole.Which of the following explanations for Flack's vote is most consistent with the public choice model?
A)Congressman Flack did not have time to read and understand all of the legislation he voted on. Members of Congress often depend on their staffs to read proposed legislation and recommend how they should vote.
B)Legislators such as Congressman Flack are similar to other decision-makers in that they sometimes make irrational choices.
C)Congressman Flack will support programs of legislators from his own party, regardless of who benefits from these programs.
D)Congressman Flack expects Congressman Walpole's support for programs that will benefit Flack's constituents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The public choice model predicts that politicians will act rationally and in their own self-interest. Congressman Flack's vote for a program that benefits Congressman Walpole's constituents is likely motivated by an expectation of reciprocal support for programs that benefit Flack's own constituents in the future. This type of strategic behavior is consistent with the predictions of the public choice model.

Congressman Flack Votes for a Program That Will Benefit the Constituents