unrelated laws that they individually favor, can encourage pork barrel spending. For example, if one member

of the U.S. Congress suggests building a new bridge or hospital in their own congressional district, the other

members might oppose it. However, if 51% of the legislators come together, they can pass a bill that includes a

bridge or hospital for every one of their districts.

As a reflection of this interest of legislators in their own districts, the U.S. government has typically spread out
its spending on military bases and weapons programs to congressional districts all across the country. In part,

the government does this to help create a situation that encourages members of Congress to vote in support of

defense spending.
442 18 • Public Economy

18.3 Flaws in the Democratic System of Government

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Assess the median voter theory

• Explain the voting cycle
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