A Spatial Analysis of Delegate Voting at the Constitutional Convention

34 Pages Posted: 3 Nov 2011 Last revised: 13 Dec 2011

See all articles by Jac C. Heckelman

Jac C. Heckelman

Wake Forest University - Department of Economics

Keith L. Dougherty

University of Georgia

Date Written: December 12, 2011

Abstract

Past analyses of the U.S. Constitutional Convention have relied strictly on votes recorded for the states or a relatively small number of roll calls. We construct a new dataset covering delegate votes on over 600 roll calls. We utilize the data in several ways. First, we use the votes to estimate a single dimensional position for the delegates to determine overall voting patterns. Next, we explain these positions using a variety of delegate and constituent variables in a double--censored heteroskedastic Tobit model. Finally, we suggest a method to identify potential state and floor medians to predict equilibrium outcomes.

Keywords: ideology, constitutional economics, Tobit

JEL Classification: D72, H11, N41

Suggested Citation

Heckelman, Jac C. and Dougherty, Keith L., A Spatial Analysis of Delegate Voting at the Constitutional Convention (December 12, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1953436 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1953436

Jac C. Heckelman (Contact Author)

Wake Forest University - Department of Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 7505
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
United States
(336) 758-5923 (Phone)
(336) 758-6028 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.wfu.edu/~heckeljc/jac.htm

Keith L. Dougherty

University of Georgia ( email )

Athens, GA 30602
United States
1-706-542-2989 (Phone)
1-706-542-4421 (Fax)

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