The Downs Model

Anthony Downs provided a working model known as rational-choice theory to explain how individuals vote. According to Downs, individuals choose their party affiliations by looking for the party that is closest to them in their political beliefs. Political parties are first and foremost about getting candidates elected, voters choose the party that is most likely to enact the policies they favor. In turn, the voters then vote for those candidates. Most Americans are moderates in their views; the parties also tend to stay close to the center.

View the following analysis of the two parties. As you view, complete the t-chart graphic organizer to record the differences between the Republicans and Democrats following their national conventions in 2008.

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