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A Theory of Elections and Voting Blocs

Citation

Eguia Egusquiza, Jon Xabier (2007) A Theory of Elections and Voting Blocs. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/NSH1-3V64. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03292007-172156

Abstract

I study how a group of agents with incomplete information about their conflicting preferences make a collective decision by means of voting.

I present a model of representative democracy with citizen candidates in which the set of agents who runs for office is endogenously determined. I show that if the electorate is large enough and agents are not able to perfectly anticipate the electoral outcome, elections are always contested and an equilibrium with two candidates exists.

In the last two chapters of this dissertation, I introduce a model of voting bloc formation in which groups of agents choose to coalesce to vote together in an assembly. Looking first at one coalition, then at two coalitions, and finally at an arbitrary number of coalitions emerging in a fully endogenous model of voting bloc formation, I analyze the incentives to join a voting bloc, the stability of different voting blocs and how the incentives and stable outcomes change with the size of the blocs, the internal voting rule that each bloc uses and the heterogeneity in the preferences of the agents. This model provides a new explanation of the formation of political parties in legislatures.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:elections
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Humanities and Social Sciences
Major Option:Social Science
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Palfrey, Thomas R. (advisor)
  • Jackson, Matthew O. (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Jackson, Matthew O. (co-chair)
  • Palfrey, Thomas R. (co-chair)
  • Mattozzi, Andrea
  • Iaryczower, Matias
Defense Date:2 May 2007
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-03292007-172156
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03292007-172156
DOI:10.7907/NSH1-3V64
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1199
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:16 May 2007
Last Modified:11 Feb 2020 23:27

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