logo

53 pages 1 hour read

An Economic Theory of Democracy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1957

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Anthony Downs

An Economic Theory of Democracy

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1957
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1950s

Publication Year

1957

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

264 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Downs’ An Economic Theory of Democracy is highly praised for its rigorous application of economic principles to political science, offering valuable insights into voter and party behavior. Critics, however, argue that its rational actor model may oversimplify complex political dynamics. Despite some flaws, it remains influential in the field.

Who should read this

Who Should Read An Economic Theory of Democracy?

Readers with an interest in political science, public choice theory, and the intersection of economics and democracy will enjoy An Economic Theory of Democracy by Anthony Downs. Comparable to Milton Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom and Kenneth Arrow’s Social Choice and Individual Values, it appeals to scholars of rational choice theory and political economy.

4.1

264 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1950s

Publication Year

1957

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.