Riker's Version of the Downsian Model

Riker and Ordeshook's (1968) translation of Downs's "summary of how rational citizens decide how to vote."

R = PB + D - C

where:

B = the difference in utility for A instead of B winning (i.e., the difference in benefits or, simply, net benefits),

R = rewards,

C = costs of voting,

D = value of doing one's duty as a citizen (expressive behavior),

P = probability that one vote (for A) will make or break a tie (voting, a collective action).

DECISION: If R is positive, vote for A; if not, abstain.

Source: Riker, William H., and Peter C. Ordeshook. 1968. A Theory of the Calculus of Voting. American Political Science Review 62:25-42.

Professor Wattier's POL260 Syllabus