Seminar with Professor Simon Hug (University of Geneva)

Title of the presenation " Changing Places in Parliament" (a paper co-authored with Stefanie Bailer and Sarah Bütikofer)

 

Abstract

In bicameral systems members of parliament (MPs) may seek to advance career-wise by moving from the lower to the upper chamber. Such moves are especially sought after if the upper chamber has similar powers and is of smaller size. In this paper we present an analysis of members of the Swiss parliament that change their places and how this affects their behavior. While contrary to an often studied parliament like the US Congress the electoral districts do not change for MPs that change from one chamber to another, most Swiss MP that engage in such changes are subject to different electoral rules. We find that these differences affect considerably the behavior of MPs (in terms of voting, activities, etc.) that move from one chamber to another.

Published May 21, 2019 1:57 PM - Last modified May 21, 2019 1:57 PM