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

looking at all three choices at once, compare them two at a time. (See Figure 18.2) In a vote of turkey versus

beef, turkey wins by 2–1. In a vote of beef versus lasagna, beef wins 2–1. If turkey beats beef, and beef beats

lasagna, then it might seem only logical that turkey must also beat lasagna. However, with the preferences,

lasagna is preferred to turkey by a 2–1 vote, as well. If lasagna is preferred to turkey, and turkey beats beef,

then surely it must be that lasagna also beats beef? Actually, no. Beef beats lasagna. In other words, the

majority view may not win. Clearly, as any car salesperson will tell you, the way one presents choices to us

influences our decisions.

Access for free at openstax.org
18.3 • Flaws in the Democratic System of Government 443
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