Downs argued that not only was retrospective voting a good strategy for overcoming limited knowledge but also that it was rational for democratic societies to function this way. For Downs, the costs associated with becoming informed are far too burdensome for the average citizen. Instead voters should look for ways to cut down on the costs of gaining information by using shortcuts including ideology and past performance. This approach is not a purely retrospective one, since Downs does suggest voters consider all options when voting, including those parties who have not help power and could not be retrospected upon. But he does suggest that retrospecting on the performance of the incumbent party remains the most accurate piece of information available to the electorate and will be a vital part of the
Downs argued that not only was retrospective voting a good strategy for overcoming limited knowledge but also that it was rational for democratic societies to function this way. For Downs, the costs associated with becoming informed are far too burdensome for the average citizen. Instead voters should look for ways to cut down on the costs of gaining information by using shortcuts including ideology and past performance. This approach is not a purely retrospective one, since Downs does suggest voters consider all options when voting, including those parties who have not help power and could not be retrospected upon. But he does suggest that retrospecting on the performance of the incumbent party remains the most accurate piece of information available to the electorate and will be a vital part of the