According to public choice theory and the median voter theorem, what does majority voting tend to produce in terms of policy outcomes?

• A. Policies that always favor the most extreme voters
• B. Policies that reflect the preferences of the median voter
• C. Policies that maximize total social welfare
• D. Policies that are determined by the preferences of minority groups

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the median voter theorem: It states that in a majority voting system, the outcome tends to reflect the preferences of the median voter, who is the individual whose preferences lie in the middle of the political spectrum.
2. Recognize that public choice theory applies economic principles to political decision-making, analyzing how voters, politicians, and interest groups interact.
3. Analyze why policies favoring extreme voters are unlikely: Extreme positions are less likely to gain majority support because they do not appeal to the median voter.
4. Consider why policies maximizing total social welfare may not always emerge: Majority voting focuses on winning votes rather than maximizing overall welfare, so the outcome aligns with the median voter's preferences instead.
5. Conclude that majority voting tends to produce policies reflecting the median voter's preferences, as this is the position that can secure the majority needed to win elections.