Yesterday I did an economic modeling exercise with my class. Part of that involves writing down who all the decision makers are and what their objective is. What's their goal? What do they seek to maximize?
Of course, one of the players we identified was the "government", which I clarified by saying "you mean elected officials".
Then when I asked them what these officials are seeking to maximize, the students said "the public good?" Or "what's best for the community?"
To which I rolled my eyes and said, "Really? Do you really believe that?" Then the students laughed and one said, "to get re-elected!"
Thought this was a fun interaction that highlights how little thought people give to politicians incentives, but also how easy it is to make them see it