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A stylized model of overrepresentation and quality in the Congress

Author

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  • Bercoff, José J.
  • Meloni, Osvaldo
  • Nougués, Jorge P.

Abstract

Traditionally, overrepresentation has been used to explain the distribution of benefits across jurisdictions, leaving aside quality components. We present a model that demonstrates that in the dispute of limited federal benefits, although quantity is important, at the margin quality matters.

Suggested Citation

  • Bercoff, José J. & Meloni, Osvaldo & Nougués, Jorge P., 2012. "A stylized model of overrepresentation and quality in the Congress," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 115(3), pages 508-510.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:115:y:2012:i:3:p:508-510
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2011.12.130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Levitt, Steven D & Poterba, James M, 1999. "Congressional Distributive Politics and State Economic Performance," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 99(1-2), pages 185-216, April.
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    4. Brian Knight, 2004. "Legislative Representation, Bargaining Power, and the Distribution of Federal Funds: Evidence from the U.S. Senate," NBER Working Papers 10385, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    5. José Bercoff & Osvaldo Meloni, 2009. "Federal budget allocation in an emergent democracy: evidence from Argentina," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 65-83, January.
    6. Weingast, Barry R & Marshall, William J, 1988. "The Industrial Organization of Congress; or, Why Legislatures, Like Firms, Are Not Organized as Markets," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 96(1), pages 132-163, February.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Overrepresentation; Distributive politics; Congress;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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