A Model of Elections with Spatial and Distributive Preferences

Abstract

This paper introduces a model where elections are games where voters have preferences over a public good (policy platforms) and a private good (transfers). The model produces the standard social choice results such as core convergence and policy separation. Furthermore, by introducing transfers, I am able to make more precise predictions about candidate locations and their dynamics than is possible under the standard spatial model. Another purpose of this paper lies in the creation of favored groups in elections. Ultimately, it is important to characterize political behavior while considering the different preferences that might exist in the constituents. By incorporating utility for private goods into standard utility assumptions, this model introduces these considerations into the standard spatial model, allowing us to have a richer and more nuanced look into elections.

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