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The probability of casting a decisive vote: The effects of a caucus

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Abstract

We study the effects of caucus formation upon a voting process with the aid of a Pólya-Eggenberger probability model. The model contains a parameter interpretable as cohesiveness between voters in a voting body. We examine relationships among members' voting power, satisfaction, and group cohesiveness. We also explore the likelihood of a distortion of opinion resulting from the caucus.

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The author is grateful for financial support from the Swedish Council for Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

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Berg, S. The probability of casting a decisive vote: The effects of a caucus. Public Choice 64, 73–92 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00125918

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