Do Parties Make a Difference? Parties and the Size of Government in Liberal Democracies

摘要: The paper attempts to determine whether parties of the left, when in government, spend more than right. It first reviews theoretical literature and concludes that are likely make a difference, but only modest one. then previous empirical studies, which come out with conflicting results. finally proposes study covers 15 liberal democracies over period 28 years, from 1960 1987, combines longitudinal, cross-sectional, pooled designs. analysis shows left do little however, emerges for majority governments whose party composition remains unchanged number an indication it takes time affect total spending. A quarter century ago, Dye (1966) concluded policy variations United States ought be attributed essentially economic factors, political variables proving largely uninfluential. This was most disturbing result science discipline, relevance, would seem, depends on substantive importance phenomena examines. Ten years later, Wilenski's (1975) welfare state came similar conclusions: root cause level expenditure country is growth, mechanism translates change into public demographic rather political. Enlightened scientists knew could not so, counterattack mounted. case made politics matters, refined analyses vindicated revisionist view (Castles McKinlay 1979; Castles 1982). about cherished all variables, parties. Political typically as fulfilling essential role democracy (Epstein 1983). strong system considered necessary condition adequate representation interests opinions (Birch 1971). Our objective matters