Ambition, Competition, and Electoral Reform

The Politics of Congressional Elections Across Time

Jamie L Carson author Prof Jason Matthew Roberts author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:The University of Michigan Press

Published:30th Nov '13

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Ambition, Competition, and Electoral Reform cover

In Ambition, Competition, and Electoral Reform, Jamie L. Carson and Jason M. Roberts present an original study of U.S. congressional elections and electoral institutions for 1872-1944 from a contemporary political science perspective. Using data on late nineteenth and early twentieth century congressional elections, the authors test the applicability in a historical context of modern political science theories, assess the effects of institutional reforms, and identify the factors that shape the competitiveness of elections. They present several key findings: the strategic politicians theory is applicable in an era without candidate-centred campaigns; there was an incumbency advantage prior to the full development of candidate-centred campaigns; institutional reforms have had a significant effect on elections; and the degree of electoral competition frequently correlates with elected officials' responsiveness to citizens.

ISBN: 9780472035861

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 456g

192 pages