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Legislative Representation, Bargaining Power and the Distribution of Federal Funds: Evidence from the US Congress

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  • Brian Knight

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between representation in legislatures and the geographic distribution of federal funds. In a legislative bargaining model, we demonstrate that funds are concentrated in high representation areas, and two channels underlie this result. The proposal power channel reflects the role of representation in committee assignments, and the vote cost channel reflects the role of representation in coalition formation. In our empirical analysis, we find that small states, relative to large states, receive more funding in the US Senate, relative to the House. We also find empirical support for the two channels underlying this relationship.

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  • Brian Knight, 2008. "Legislative Representation, Bargaining Power and the Distribution of Federal Funds: Evidence from the US Congress," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 118(532), pages 1785-1803, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:econjl:v:118:y:2008:i:532:p:1785-1803
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0297.2008.02191.x
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