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Divided government, polarization, and policy: Regression-discontinuity evidence from US states

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  • Repetto, Luca
  • Andrés, Maximiliano Sosa

Abstract

In this paper we use data on US states and a regression-discontinuity design to study how divided government affects the polarization of the legislature, inter-branch conflict, and policy implementation. We document that Republican legislators serving under a divided government have more conservative ideologies than those serving under a fully unified government. Correspondingly, Democrats have more liberal ideologies. In terms of policy implementation, however, we find evidence of moderation: compared to unified Republican governments, divided ones with a democratic governorship or senate implement more liberal policies. When Democrats lose unified control, instead, policies become more conservative.

Suggested Citation

  • Repetto, Luca & Andrés, Maximiliano Sosa, 2023. "Divided government, polarization, and policy: Regression-discontinuity evidence from US states," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:80:y:2023:i:c:s0176268023001179
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2023.102473
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Divided governments; Polarization; Policy liberalism; Regression-discontinuity design; US state governments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P1 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies
    • H7 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations
    • R50 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - General

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