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Rational actor theory and the facts of political participation have long been in an uneasy relationship. Many citizens vote and take part in other political activities when theory would predict that they would take a free ride. This paper draws on several analyses of citizen participation for some of which rational actor theory is quite useful and for others it is less so. It attempts to specify the conditions under which the theory is applicable. It concludes that rational actor theory is more potent when applied to issues of cost rather than benefits or when the goals of participation can be specified in a clear manner and one can measure their degree of attainment.

Rational actor theory & the facts of political participation have long been in an uneasy relationship. Many citizens vote & take part in other political activities when theory would predict that they would take a free ride. This paper draws on several analyses of citizen participation, for some of which rational actor theory is quite useful, & for others it is less so. It attempts to specify the conditions under which the theory is applicable. It concludes that rational actor theory is more potent when applied to issues of cost rather than benefits or when the goals of participation can be specified in a clear manner & one can measure their degree of attainment. 5 Tables, 27 References. Adapted from the source document.