Rational Ignorance Helps Explain Why

question 99

Multiple Choice

Rational ignorance helps explain why

• A)legislators often trade votes on key issues to produce positive-sum games between them
• B)legislators usually disregard the desires of those constituencies that cannot influence their chances for reelection
• C)voters spend considerable time and effort to gather information to protect themselves against legislators with hidden agendas
• D)it is rational for legislators to ignore the wishes and desires of all of their constituents
• E)voters may choose to remain ignorant of issues when there are large costs associated with becoming informed

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Definitions:

Welfare State

A social system in which the government takes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, providing services such as healthcare, education, and financial support.

Robert Mcnamara

A prominent figure in U.S. history who served as the Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War and later as the President of the World Bank.

Vietnam War

A prolonged conflict from 1955 to 1975 between communist forces in North Vietnam, backed by its communist allies, and the government of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other anti-communist nations.

War Powers Act

Law passed in 1973, reflecting growing opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War; required congressional approval before the president sent troops abroad.