Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/81540 
Year of Publication: 
2013
Series/Report no.: 
Economics Discussion Papers No. 2013-42
Publisher: 
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Kiel
Abstract: 
Experiments evaluate the fit of human behaviour to the Shapley-Shubik power index (SSPI), a formula of voter power. Groups of six subjects with differing votes divide a fixed purse by majority rule in online chat rooms. Earnings proxy for measured power. Chat rooms and processes for selecting subjects reduce or eliminate extraneous forces. Logrolling remains as the primary political force. Subjects' initial proposals for division of the purse allow measurement of effects from focal points and transaction costs. Divisions of purses, net of those effects, closely fit the SSPI, averaging 1.033 of their SSPI values. The SSPI can serve as a control for power imbedded in voting blocs, permitting fuller analysis of other factors that affect political outcomes.
Subjects: 
social choice
public choice
elections
bargaining
coalitions
politico economic
voting power
conflict
election
collective action
majority rule
JEL: 
D71
D72
D74
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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