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Polarization and Corruption in America
Research output: Working paper › Discussion paper
Author(s)
Department/unit(s)
Publication details
| Date | Published - Jul 2016 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Department of Economics and Related Studies, University of York |
| Place of Publication | York |
| Number of pages | 44 |
| Volume | 16/09 |
| Original language | English |
Publication series
| Name | University of York Discussion Papers in Economics |
|---|
Abstract
The hypothesis that ideological polarization reduces corruption is tested using
panel data from the US. To identify the causal effect of polarization, polarization
is instrumented with lagged political position-taking in geographically
neighboring states. Polarization is found to significantly reduce corruption.
Consistent with the idea that ideological distance imposes additional electoral
discipline on politicians, the beneficial effect of polarization is found to increase
when political competition is high and when incumbent governors are eligible
to run for office.
panel data from the US. To identify the causal effect of polarization, polarization
is instrumented with lagged political position-taking in geographically
neighboring states. Polarization is found to significantly reduce corruption.
Consistent with the idea that ideological distance imposes additional electoral
discipline on politicians, the beneficial effect of polarization is found to increase
when political competition is high and when incumbent governors are eligible
to run for office.
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