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Higher Vote Thresholds for Incumbents, Effort and Selection

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  • Gersbach, Hans

Abstract

The election mechanism has difficulties in selecting the most able candidates and deselecting less able ones. In a simple model we show that the power of elections as a selection and incentive device can be improved by requiring higher vote thresholds than 50% for incumbents. A higher vote threshold makes it impossible for office-holders of low ability to pool with more able office-holders in order to be reelected. As a consequence, the average ability of reelected politicians and the average effort level tends to increase. The socially optimal threshold can be set by the public. Alternatively, one could allow candidates to compete with individual vote thresholds.

Suggested Citation

  • Gersbach, Hans, 2009. "Higher Vote Thresholds for Incumbents, Effort and Selection," CEPR Discussion Papers 7320, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:7320
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    1. Daniel Diermeier & Michael Keane & Antonio Merlo, 2005. "A Political Economy Model of Congressional Careers," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(1), pages 347-373, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hans Gersbach & Markus Müller, 2017. "Higher bars for incumbents and experience," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 29(3), pages 492-513, July.

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    JEL classification:

    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods

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