Unit 5: >1 Dimensions Flashcards
Draw a diagram showing a bliss point with a 2-dimensional policy space? Draw the same diagram with 3 players rather than 1, and show the winsets?
See notes (check i understand it too!)
What is Plott’s Theorem? What does this mean for the winset, and Condorcet?
Plott’s theorem states that in two-dimensional policy space with an odd number of voters who have distance-based spatial preferences, there will be an equilibrium point x* if the bliss points of voters have radial symmetry about x. (and the winset W(x)=null, x* is a Condorcet winner too)
Draw a diagram showing a scenario where Plotts theorem holds, leading to an equilibrium between voters?
see notes
When would the median voter theorem apply in a two-dimensional policy space? Draw diagram for this?
When the blisspoints of, say 3 voters, all fit nicely into one line, then the MVT applies and the median voter position wins
Plott’s theorem is very restrictive; if it doesn’t hold, what theorem do we refer to instead? Define the theorem?
McKelvey Chaos Theorem = in multidimensional policy space setting (except in rare cases mentioned previously, MVT and PT) there will be no majority rule winset point; instead there will be chaos!
Explain what is meant by ‘chaos’?
No condorcet winner, no equilibrium, whoever controls order of voting can determine the final outcome!
When will indifference curves not be circular? What will they be instead?
If preferences are unweighted, will be circular; otherwise will be ellipses
Explain what an agenda setter is?
An agenda setter is an agent who is able to manipulate the voting to their preference (Bliss point) by proposing sequentially different motions such that different majorities are formed
See
example in notes on agenda setting
Note to remember when analysing agenda setting?
Each time a new policy is proposed and accepted, it becomes the status quo! Also, can draw circles to illustrate methodology when going from point to point
