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Journal of Political Economy Vol. 86 No. 2, Part 1 1978

The Economic Theory of Regulation and Public Financing of Presidential Elections

Burton A. Abrams; Russell F. Settle

Abstract

Recent changes in campaign finance legislation (passed by a heavily Democratic Congress) are considered within the context of the two competing theories of regulation, the "public-interest" theory and the economic theory of regulation. Empirical evidence is presented in support of the economic theory's explanation for these major regulatory changes in the political process. The evidence suggests that these changes were highly beneficial to the Democratic party and that they were instrumental in Jimmy Carter's defeat of Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election.

DOI
10.1086/260665
Volume
86
Issue
2, Part 1
Pages
245-257
Language
en
Sources
openalex crossref

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