Teaching mathematical economics using public choice. The median voter model

The median voter model (MVM) is a core model in public choice comparable to the demand and supply competitive market model in microeconomics. In this paper I introduce and discuss the mathematical treatment of a simple version of the model. This allows instructors to apply a wide range of concepts commonly introduced in a first undergraduate class in mathematical economics. The approach will help students to understand the interplay of concepts separately introduced during the first phase of the course. Hopefully the method will foster an interest in public choice through the study of one of its most important benchmark models.