“An Institutional Theory of Behavior in the European Parliament”

Hix, Simon and Raunio, Tapio and Scully, Roger. (1999) “An Institutional Theory of Behavior in the European Parliament” . In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 1999 (6th), June 2-5, 1999, pages 34, Pittsburgh, PA.

Abstract

In this paper we aim to begin the development of a theory of behaviour in the EP. We seek not to offer the final word in this regard but, drawing from extant literature on the EP and on theories of behaviour developed in other legislative institutions, to reflect upon and develop at least partial answers to three major questions: How can one seek to develop a coherent theory of political behaviour in the EP? What would one need to do to test this theory? What might be the practical and theoretical implications of what we might find? The initial answers developed to these questions will serve as a sort of ‘manifesto’ for the intensive collaborative study of the 1999-2004 EP which the EJPRG will conduct. In section 5, as an illustration, one of the main hypotheses-about the impact of different national electoral systems on MEP behaviour-is developed and applied. Finally, the concluding section reflects upon the empirical and theoretical challenges ahead.