Government Officials Pursue Their Own Self-Interest
The Nobel Laureate James Buchanan, among others, has suggested a model of government that focuses on the selfish behavior of government officials.
The self-interest theory of government suggests that voters don’t have much information about the costs and benefits of public services, and may not be able to evaluate the actions of politicians.
Limitations on taxes and spending are necessary safeguards against politicians and bureaucrats who benefit from large budgets.