Both government and the market are tools for helping people get what they want (security and other worldly goods).

Other wordly goods:  govt or market?

    Market failure vs. government failure:
 
 
 
 
 

Self-interest in Life and Politics

Self-interest vs. selfishness:

    To act in your self interest means only that you are making choices according to the interests, wants, or desires that you have.  If you have a desire to help others, then your choice to help others is in your self-interest.

    Selfishness means that an individual thinks only of himself and not of others when he acts.
 

    The Self-Interest Assumption in Economics and Politics:

        Everyone assumed to be self-interested in any role they play (voters, teachers, entrepreneurs, employees in a private firm, government officials, etc.).

        People act the same in politics as in business:
 
 

    Gordon Tullock -- the average human being is about 95 per cent selfish

    Charity makes up the rest.  Note:  even if people were 50 per cent charitable, each would still have distinct views about who should receive help and how much they should receive.
 

Comparing Government With the Market

    Comparison:  All effects, good and bad.
 
 

    Market Solutions Often Underrated:
 
 
 
 

    The Government Solution is Not Ideal:
 
 
 
 

    Government Supply and Conformity:
 
 
 

    The Problem of Coercion:
 
 
 

    Changing Choice Between Market and Government:
 
 
 
 

        Obsolescence in Government Institutions:
 
 
 
 

        Government Institutions Without an Economic Purpose: