Final answer:
In Anthony Downs' theory from 'An Economic Theory of Democracy,' voters are referred to as consumers, emphasizing their role in decision-making and the rational ignorance they may exhibit when not investing in political information.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Anthony Downs' An Economic Theory of Democracy, voters are referred to as consumers in the context of decision-making. Downs suggests that voters, like consumers, are faced with choices and act to maximize their utility, although they may not invest in gathering political information due to the perceived low impact of their individual vote on election outcomes. This economic perspective on democracy articulates the rational ignorance of voters, as they avoid the costs related to becoming fully informed on political issues due to the minimal effect their single vote has on the election result.
The voters are referred to as consumers in Anthony Downs' theory. According to Downs, voters in a democracy often make rational decisions regarding political information and investment. However, they understand that their individual votes have minimal impact on the overall outcome of an election. Therefore, they may choose to prioritize other activities that offer better returns on their time and effort.