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A Tale of Two Latin American Congresses. Towards a Comparative Study of Institutionalization and Effectiveness

Author

Listed:
  • Mariano Tommasi

    (Department of Economics, Universidad de San Andres)

  • Valeria Palanza

    (Universidad Catolica de Chile)

  • Carlos Scartascini

    (Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the characteristics, determinants and consequences of varying levels of congressional institutionalization. Our work can be traced back to the early work on congressional institutionalization done by Polsby (1968), which is complemented here by the game-theoretic notion that institutionalization is an equilibrium outcome that emerges from the beliefs and investments made by relevant political actors. The paper explores key characteristics and trends surrounding legislative careers and congressional assets such as organization and resources. It does so to uncover the effects of different belief systems and investment dynamics on levels of institutionalization and, ultimately, on policy outcomes. We approach our puzzle by analyzing two close yet contrasting cases: Argentina and Chile, which possess stark differences on many policy and institutional dimensions, despite relatively similar constitutional settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariano Tommasi & Valeria Palanza & Carlos Scartascini, 2013. "A Tale of Two Latin American Congresses. Towards a Comparative Study of Institutionalization and Effectiveness," Working Papers 111, Universidad de San Andres, Departamento de Economia, revised Jun 2013.
    • Handle: RePEc:sad:wpaper:111
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    File URL: https://webacademicos.udesa.edu.ar/pub/econ/doc111.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Mattozzi, Andrea & Merlo, Antonio, 2008. "Political careers or career politicians?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(3-4), pages 597-608, April.
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    5. Martín A. Rossi & Mariano Tommasi, 2012. "Legislative Effort and Career Paths in the Argentine Congress," Research Department Publications 4814, Inter-American Development Bank, Research Department.
    6. Shepsle, Kenneth A. & Weingast, Barry R., 1987. "The Institutional Foundations of Committee Power," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 81(1), pages 85-104, March.
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    congress; Latin America; institutions;
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