Electoral systems and assembly size

Electoral Studies, vol. 95, pp. 102922

Abstract

The cube-root rules of assembly size is one of the strongest relationships in political science. Its theoretical underpinning is given by Taagepera (1972). It is based on the notion that assembly size is optimal when the number of communication channels between representatives among themselves and between citizens and their representative is minimal. This article argues that if one follows the logic of the cube-root rule, proportional electoral systems should be associated with greater assemblies: in that case citizens can communicate with more than one representative. This additional links will result in larger assemblies. This article tests this in 128 national parliaments or lower houses. It finds strong evidence for the importance of electoral systems for assembly size.

Authors 1

1. Simon Otjes corresponding Aachen Institute of Political Science

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Political Science, Leiden University, Netherlands