[Séminaire CREM Caen] How Does Council Size Shape Democracy? Evidence from French Municipalities

Abstract:

This article examines the effects of municipal council size on electoral and governance outcomes, leveraging population thresholds that determine council size in French municipalities. The analysis is grounded in the theoretical framework of the cube root law (Taagepera, 1972), which posits a trade-off between improved citizen representation and effective governance. Larger assemblies are hypothesized to enhance representation by including a diversity of social, economic, and political interests, while also risking higher public expenditures due to coordination challenges.

Using a regression discontinuity design and a dataset of over 7,000 observations from French municipalities with proportional voting systems, this study investigates the impact of council size on voter turnout, party fragmentation, seat disproportionality, and municipal spending. Preliminary results indicate no significant effects on voter turnout or municipal budgets. However, the results show a significant impact on seat allocation, with larger councils increasing party fragmentation and reducing seat disproportionality. Ongoing analysis aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on how council size influences representation and governance, contributing to the broader debate on the trade-offs associated with legislative assembly size.

Co-écrit avec B. Le Maux & P. Mille