A Spatial Analysis of Delegate Voting at the Constitutional Convention
34 Pages Posted: 3 Nov 2011 Last revised: 13 Dec 2011
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: Suggested Citation