political science
In chapter x of considerations on Representative Government, Mill has this to say about how citizens should consider whom and what to vote for: ” His vote is not a thing in which he has an option, it has no more to do with his personal wishes than the verdict of juryman. It is strictly a matter of duty, he is bound to give it according to its best and most conscientious opinion of the public good, whoever has any other idea of it is unfit to have the suffrage.”
The conception of voting differs from the madisonian conception that posits self-interest (however defined) as the driving force of citizens voting decisions. Mill is arguing that voters should set aside individualistic considerations of what they want out of policy and what they personally value and focus instead on what they believe is good for all of society. People will of course, differ on their views of the ” public good” just as members of a jury will differ on their views of the accused’s guilt or innocence, but the differences will be one of opinions, not interests.
Write 500-800 word argumentative essay agreeing or disagreeing with Mill’s views on how citizens should conceive of voting.
Will be evaluated on:
a) Support- include sufficient amount of detail to support thesis and any sub-points you make.
b) Refutation – do you address the opposition directly and effectively?
c) Thorougness- do you address all important ideas and questions related to the issue under consideration?
d) Wiring Quality – effective and free of errors.
