An Economic Theory of Democracy

Super Short Summary

An Economic Theory of Democracy by Anthony Downs is a 1957 treatise that applies economic principles to political decision-making, proposing that political actors, like market participants, seek to maximize benefits. Downs develops a model where voters choose candidates who promise the greatest returns, while politicians aim to secure votes for power and influence. The book explores rational choice theory, uncertainty, information costs, and provides hypotheses for empirical testing of political behavior. Some of its content reflects the social attitudes of the 1950s and uses androcentric language.