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The normatively troubling impact of attitudes toward the role of money in politics on external political efficacy

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  • Katherine Haenschen
  • Jessica R. Collier
  • John C. Tedesco

Abstract

Objective We explore whether Americans’ attitudes about the role of money spent on political campaigns and separately their attitudes about the influence of corporations impact their external political efficacy (EE) or perception that the government is responsive to them. Methods We conduct three independent sample surveys (total N = 2789) to measure individuals’ attitudes toward the role of money in politics (ARMP), attitudes toward corporations, and EE. We also measure political partisanship to test for moderating effects. Results ARMP are strongly and positively associated with EE: those who are more favorable of the role money plays in politics view government as more responsive to them. This finding is specific to ARMP and does not extend to corporations, suggesting that public awareness of campaign spending is shaping individuals' views of government responsiveness. We find no evidence that this relationship is moderated by partisanship, despite differing views of money in politics between Democrats and Republicans. Conclusion Our results are normatively troubling and suggest that as campaign spending continues to rise, individuals will increasingly feel that the government is less responsive to their concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine Haenschen & Jessica R. Collier & John C. Tedesco, 2024. "The normatively troubling impact of attitudes toward the role of money in politics on external political efficacy," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 105(3), pages 666-681, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:105:y:2024:i:3:p:666-681
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13356
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    1. Karp, Jeffrey A & Banducci, Susan A, 2008. "Political Efficacy and Participation in Twenty-Seven Democracies: How Electoral Systems Shape Political Behaviour," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 38(2), pages 311-334, April.
    2. Peter L. Francia & John C. Green & Paul S. Herrnson & Lynda W. Powell & Clyde Wilcox, 2005. "Limousine Liberals and Corporate Conservatives: The Financial Constituencies of the Democratic and Republican Parties," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 86(4), pages 761-778, December.
    3. Niemi, Richard G. & Craig, Stephen C. & Mattei, Franco, 1991. "Measuring Internal Political Efficacy in the 1988 National Election Study," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(4), pages 1407-1413, December.
    4. Gabriel R. Sanchez & Jason L. Morin, 2011. "The Effect of Descriptive Representation on Latinos' Views of Government and of Themselves," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 92(2), pages 483-508, June.
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