Public Choice is the academic subfield which uses the tools and framework of political science to analyze issues that historically fall within the domain of economics.
It studies the behavior of individuals and groups in the public sector, such as government officials, voters, and interest groups, to better understand how decisions are made in the political arena.
Public Choice theorists apply economic principles, such as rational choice theory, to political decision-making processes. They believe that individuals act in their own self-interest, and this behavior can help explain why certain policies are enacted or why specific actors hold power in government.
By examining the incentives, constraints, and decision-making processes that shape political outcomes, Public Choice theory seeks to provide insights into how public policy can be improved and how government can operate more efficiently. This subfield has been influential in shaping our understanding of how political institutions function and how they can be reformed to better serve the public interest.