Article

On the Optimal Number of Representatives

Emmanuelle Auriol, and Robert J. Gary-Bobo

Abstract

We propose a normative theory of the number of representatives based on a model of a representative democracy. We derive a formula giving the number of representatives as proportional to the square root of total population. Simple tests of the formula on a sample of a 100 countries yield good results. We then discuss the appropriateness of the number of representatives in some countries. It seems that the United States has too few representatives, while France and Italy have too many. The excess number of representatives matters: it is positively correlated with indicators of red tape and barriers to entrepreneurship.

Keywords

Representative democracy – Number of representatives – Constitution design – Incentives;

JEL codes

  • D7: Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
  • H11: Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government
  • H40: General

Replaces

Emmanuelle Auriol, and Robert J. Gary-Bobo, On the Optimal Number of Representatives, IDEI Working Paper, n. 86, March 2008.

Reference

Emmanuelle Auriol, and Robert J. Gary-Bobo, On the Optimal Number of Representatives, Public Choice, vol. 153, December 2012, pp. 419–445.

Published in

Public Choice, vol. 153, December 2012, pp. 419–445