online lecture test

What are the three main options for filling the ranks of the armed forces?

1) Conscription, 2) Conscription with substitution, 3) Volunteer (labor market) system.

What are the two main types of arguments discussed in the slides?

1) Rights- and freedom-based argument, 2) Welfare argument.

What is the main idea of the rights & freedom argument?

Conscription is coercive—sometimes viewed as a form of slavery to the state—so only a voluntary labor market fully respects individual rights and freedom.

How does a “volunteer” market-based system supposedly protect freedom?

It relies on voluntary exchange of labor for money, letting individuals freely choose whether to serve.

What is the main claim of the welfare argument?

Conscription limits personal choice and welfare; labor markets allow free choice and lead to higher welfare (Pareto improvements and maximal utility).

According to the welfare view, how do people act under a free military labor market?

People voluntarily choose to pay taxes instead of serving, or choose to serve for pay and benefits — both increase overall welfare.

What are the two main objections raised to the market-based system?

1) Fairness and freedom, and 2) Civic virtue and the common good.

What does the “fairness & freedom” objection point out?

Market conditions can still be coercive if people’s choices are limited by poverty or circumstance.

What evidence supports the coercion-in-the-market claim?

Many recruits come from lower socio-economic and minority backgrounds, showing limited alternatives for similar pay and benefits.

Why might market coercion be unfair?

It systematically exposes certain groups to harm and creates class discrimination in who bears the risk of war.

What did Rangel argue about who serves in the military?

That military decisions and burdens differ depending on who serves — often poorer and minority citizens — making it a class-based issue.

Are markets always coercive and unfair?

Not necessarily — but they can be, depending on the initial conditions and inequality in opportunity.

What does the civic virtue & common good objection emphasize?

Military service is a civic duty, not just a job to be bought or sold — it reflects shared responsibility and citizenship.

What analogy is used to explain civic duty?

Jury service — it’s a civic responsibility that shouldn’t be treated as a market exchange.

How does a citizen-based military benefit democracy?

It ensures the military reflects the population, strengthens civic unity, and deepens democratic participation.

According to the slides, what kinds of goods are markets “unfit” to distribute?

Goods tied to civic duty and shared moral responsibility — things that shouldn’t be commodified.

What are some “points to ponder” about the military labor market?

• What makes exchanges truly free?

• Should the military market be limited to citizens?

• What distinguishes a mercenary from a paid American soldier?

• Can motives like patriotism or duty be bought and sold?

What are the big picture lessons from the presentation?

• Voluntary exchange doesn’t always ensure fairness or freedom.

• Circumstances and inequality matter.

• Markets may fail to satisfy civic duties or shared moral responsibilities.

• Some things should not be bought or sold.