Measuring Representation in Latin America: A Study of the Ideological Congruence between Parties and Voters

39 Pages Posted: 19 Jul 2010 Last revised: 31 Aug 2010

See all articles by Patricia Otero

Patricia Otero

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Juan Rodriquez-Zepeda

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

In this paper we measure and explain the levels of ideological congruence between representatives and their represented in Latin America. The ideological congruence between political parties and their voters is an appropriate indicator of the responsiveness of the rulers to the demands of the governed and, therefore, of the quality of democracy in a political system. Consequently, this topic is of significant interest for the research on democratic consolidation. Taking advantage of recently available data on citizens’ opinions from Vanderbilt University (LAPOP) and on political elites’ opinions from the University of Salamanca (PELA), this paper contributes to the study of political representation in Latin America through the analysis of the ideological congruence in the region. First we explore the degree of ideological congruence between and within countries using Achen’s (1978) measures: proximity, centrism, and responsiveness. Next, we analyze some explanatory factors that account for those differences.

Keywords: Ideological Congruence, Political Parties, Voters, Latin America

Suggested Citation

Otero, Patricia and Rodriquez-Zepeda, Juan, Measuring Representation in Latin America: A Study of the Ideological Congruence between Parties and Voters (2010). APSA 2010 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1642532

Patricia Otero (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Juan Rodriquez-Zepeda

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

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