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Democratic elections do not always deliver what majorities want. Many conclude from frustrated majorities a failure of democracy. This book argues the opposite may be true – that politicians who represent their constituents sometimes frustrate majorities. A theory of issue intensity explains how the intensity with which different voters care about political issues drives key features of elections, political participation, representation, and public policy. Because candidates for office are more certain of winning the votes of those who care intensely, they sometimes side with an intense minority over a less intense majority. Voters who care intensely communicate their intensity by taking political action: volunteering, contributing, and speaking out. From questions like whose voices should matter in a democracy to whose voices actually matter, this rigorous book blends ideas from democratic theory and formal political economy with new empirical evidence to tackle a topic of central importance to American politics.
‘In an engaging use of rational choice, Hill applies formal theory to public opinion and electoral data to produce what he calls a 'theory of intensity.' This theory argues that political minorities who care intensely about a policy issue are apt to prevail over an apathetic majority. Though the central idea is not new in political science and, in recent years, has been a subject of growing concern, Hill’s work suggests why it reflects the choices of both voters and politicians. … Recommended.’
M. Price Source: Choice
‘… this ambitious book is well worth reading. The model is carefully constructed and tightly argued, and the subsequent empirical chapters provide supportive evidence.'
Kirby Goidel Source: Perspectives on Politics
‘Challenging our preconceptions is what a good book does, and on this count Seth Hill’s book unquestionably succeeds.’
Kirby Goidel, Nicholas T. Davis and Keith Gåddie Source: Perspectives on Politics
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