The impossibility theorem, demonstrated by Paul Samuelson, shows that it is impossible to have public officials behave in a manner consistent with the best interests of society.

Impossibility Theorem

A theory, often associated with economist Kenneth Arrow, stating that no rank-order voting system can simultaneously fulfill certain fairness criteria.

Paul Samuelson

An American economist known for his contributions to many areas of economic theory; the first American to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.