Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics
13th Edition
ISBN: 9781337617390
Author: Roger A. Arnold
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
Chapter 19, Problem 1QP
To determine

Median voter model and its exceptions.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The median voter model refers to a two-person contest where the endeavor of political candidates matches the median voter’s preferences. The two politicians, Barry Goldwater (1964) and George McGovern (1972), are at the right and left end of the two ranges from middle, respectively. These two candidates may fall into the middle of the two ranges. However, it is difficult to find out the middle. Thus, it is necessary to note the activities of respective political parties in the next years.

During the presidential election of 1964, the Republican Party with Goldwater suffered a defeat and party chooses a candidate Richard Nixon, who is nearer to the middle of the two ranges. During the election of 1968, the Republican Party wins.

During the election of 1972, the Democratic Party suffered a defeat with George McGovern and party chooses a candidate, Jimmy Carter, who is nearer to the middle of the two ranges and wins in the election of 1976.

Thus, these are not necessarily exceptions to the theory of median voter but correct statements.

Economics Concept Introduction

Median voter model: Median voter model refers to a two-person contest where the endeavor of political candidates matches the median voter’s preferences.

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