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Electoral bias and policy choice: theory and evidence

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  • Tim Besley

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and London School of Economics)

  • Ian Preston

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University College London)

Abstract

This paper develops a new approach to study how electoral bias in favor of one party due to the pattern of districting affects policy choice. We tie a commonly used measure of districting bias to the theory of party competition and show how this affects policy choice in theory. The utility of the approach is illustrated using data on local government in the U.K. The results suggest that reducing electoral bias leads parties to moderate their policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Besley & Ian Preston, 2006. "Electoral bias and policy choice: theory and evidence," IFS Working Papers W06/03, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:06/03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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