Which of the following is NOT a viewpoint of the self-interest theory of government?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which statement is NOT a viewpoint of the self-interest theory of government. We will assess each option in turn to see whether it aligns with the idea that government actors pursue their own interests.
Option 1: 'Limitations on taxes and spending are considered as safeguards against the selfish behavior of government officials.' This aligns with a self-interest view in the sense that constitutional or fiscal constraints are seen as attempts to curb selfish incentives among officials, so it is consistent with the theory.
Option 2: 'Politicians may have an incentive to gain renown by pursuing a public program the cost of which exceeds its benefits.' This reflects a classic self-interested motive: officials seek personal or reputational gains, even at the expense of net social welfare, so it fits the theory.
Option 3: 'Government officials are assumed to align their interests with public interests.' This is the key contrast to self-interest theory. If officials were truly aligned with public interests, that would challenge the premise of self-interested behavior; self-interest theory typically holds that officials act to maximize their own benefits rather than the public good. Therefore, this statement is NOT a viewpoint of the self-interest theory.
Option 4: 'Politicians and bureaucrats pursue their own interests rather than public interests.' This is a direct articulation of the self-interest perspective, describing the core assumption that actors act to satisfy personal incentives rather than the aggregate public welfare.
In summary, options 1, 2, and 4 describe ways in which self-interest can shape government behavior, while option 3 posits alignment with public interests, which contradicts the self-interest viewpoint and is therefore not a viewpoint endorsed by that theory.

econ_102_120251_245827 Lesson 10 Graded Quiz

Which of the following is NOT a viewpoint of the self-interest theory of government?

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