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Heterogeneous groups and rent-seeking for public goods

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  • Cheikbossian, Guillaume

Abstract

We present a model of endogenous public good provision and group rent-seeking influence. Specifically, two groups with different preferences over public policy and different sizes engage in rent-seeking or lobbying activities to influence policymaking in their preferred direction. When there is within-group cooperation in lobbying, both groups neutralize each other in the political process. Without within-group cooperation, the free-rider problem in lobbying makes the smaller group politically influent. In both cases, the total level of rent-seeking activities is shown to be increasing in taste heterogeneity but decreasing in group size asymmetry.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheikbossian, Guillaume, 2008. "Heterogeneous groups and rent-seeking for public goods," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 133-150, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:24:y:2008:i:1:p:133-150
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • H73 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Interjurisdictional Differentials and Their Effects

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