positions along a spectrum from left to right, the median voter is in the middle of the spectrum. This theory

argues that actual policy will reflect “middle of the road.” In the case of sugar lobby politics, the minority, not

the median, dominates policy.

Sometimes it is not even clear how to define the majority opinion. Step aside from politics for a moment and

think about a choice facing three families (the Ortegas, the Schmidts, and the Alexanders) who are planning to

celebrate New Year’s Day together. They agree to vote on the menu, choosing from three entrees, and they

agree that the majority vote wins. With three families, it seems reasonable that one producing choice will get a

2–1 majority. What if, however, their vote ends up looking like Table 18.1?

Clearly, the three families disagree on their first choice. However, the problem goes even deeper. Instead of
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