Representation & Democracy Satisfaction Gap
This study examines how alignment or misalignment of citizens' policy preferences with elite decision-making affects perceptions of democratic quality.
Data & Methods
Using survey data from the American National Election Studies alongside experimental analysis, we track satisfaction metrics across different congruence scenarios.
Key Findings: The Congruence Effect
- Citizens report significantly higher satisfaction when their policy preferences align with elite decisions.
- This perception gap is most pronounced among politically engaged citizens.
Implications
Understanding this relationship provides crucial insights into democratic stability and representation theory.
