Broz measured constituent skill levels by the percentage of the district age 25 years and older with a four-year college degree or higher and the percentage of those of working age employed in executive, administrative, managerial, and professional occupations. He then analyzed House roll-call voting on three bills proposed to restrict Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) rescues. In terms of every-day policy-making the ESF is self-financed and independent of Congress, but the latter can modify and restrict the range of action via new legislation. The ESF has a large impact as its policies affect the pace and extent of economic globalization, which creates winners and losers in the private sector. For example, low-skilled workers face a large threat. As American factories move to other countries, capital leaves the United States and the need for and salary of low-skilled laborers in the US decreases. "Members that oppose rescues have constituents that lose from globalization and are therefore less concerned with global economic stability," the author concludes.
This study is publishing in the latest issue of the American Journal of Political Science. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the article, please contact journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
American Journal of Political Science publishes articles that make outstanding contributions to scholarly knowledge about notable theoretical concerns, puzzles or controversies in any sub field of political science. It is published on behalf of the Midwest Political Science Association.
J. Lawrence Broz is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, San Diego. He has been published in numerous publications.
Dr. Broz is available for questions and interviews.
American Journal of Political Science