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Strength in Numbers?

Author

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  • Jonathan Rodden

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA jrodden@MIT.EDU)

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between territorial representation and fiscal redistribution in the European Union. Given that small states are vastly overrepresented in both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, models of legislative vote-buying predict that overrepresented member states will be systematically favored in the distribution of EU fiscal transfers. Empirical analysis of each manifestation of the EC or EU from 1977 to 1999 reveals a strong linear relationship between votes and transfers per capita during each period. This is true for both agricultural and regional development transfers as well as total net transfers. The paper concludes by reflecting on the importance of the connection between representation and redistribution as the European Union prepares to enlarge.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Rodden, 2002. "Strength in Numbers?," European Union Politics, , vol. 3(2), pages 151-175, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:3:y:2002:i:2:p:151-175
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116502003002002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johnston, R. J., 1995. "The Conflict over Qualified Majority Voting in the European Union Council of Ministers: An Analysis of the UK Negotiating Stance Using Power Indices," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 25(2), pages 245-254, April.
    2. Lee, Frances E., 2000. "Senate Representation and Coalition Building in Distributive Politics," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 94(1), pages 59-72, March.
    3. Tsebelis, George & Garrett, Geoffrey, 1996. "Agenda setting power, power indices, and decision making in the European Union," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 345-361, September.
    4. Morriss, Peter, 1996. "Qualified Majority Voting and Power Indices: A Further Response to Johnston," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(4), pages 595-597, October.
    5. Michele Boldrin & Fabio Canova, 2001. "Inequality and convergence in Europe’s regions: reconsidering European regional policies," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 16(32), pages 206-253.
    6. Samuels, David & Snyder, Richard, 2001. "The Value of a Vote: Malapportionment in Comparative Perspective," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 31(4), pages 651-671, October.
    7. Tsebelis, George, 1996. "More on the European Parliament as a Conditional Agenda Setter: Response to Moser," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(4), pages 839-844, December.
    8. Groseclose, Tim & Snyder, James M., 1996. "Buying Supermajorities," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 90(2), pages 303-315, June.
    9. Atlas, Cary M, et al, 1995. "Slicing the Federal Government Net Spending Pie: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Why," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 85(3), pages 624-629, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nicola Francesco Dotti, 2016. "Unwritten Factors Affecting Structural Funds: The Influence of Regional Political Behaviours on the Implementation of EU Cohesion Policy," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(3), pages 530-550, March.

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