Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

9-2013

Abstract

The Optimal Classification method is applied to a newly created data set to provide a spatial map of the Italian Second Republic (1996–2008). A bi-dimensional political space was found in the XIII Legislature and virtually a one-dimensional political space in the XIV and XV Legislatures. In addition, the main dimension is explained along the government–opposition dimension rather than on the traditional left–right dimension. During the Second Republic, Italy experienced changes in the electoral system and in the format of parties. The data are used to discuss the implications of either change on the dimensionality space. It was found that the format of the party system was a more important determinant of the dimensionality of the political space than changes in the electoral system.

Keywords

Italian Parliament, spatial analysis, optimal classification, party positions, policy dimensions

Discipline

Behavioral Economics | Political Science

Research Areas

Applied Microeconomics

Publication

Journal of Legislative Studies

Volume

19

Issue

3

First Page

328

Last Page

350

ISSN

1357-2334

Identifier

10.1080/13572334.2013.812342

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/13572334.2013.812342

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