We evaluate the accuracy of power indices by experimentally measuring the political power embodied in blocks of votes per se. The experiment incorporates several players interacting in online chat rooms under supervision. The chat rooms and the selection process reduce or eliminate extraneous political forces leaving logrolling as the primary political force. Results show that two standard power indices reflect voting power while other power indices and proportionality do not.
History
Title of proceedings
Selected papers from the 33rd Australian Conference of Economists, Sydney Sept. 27-30, 2004
Event
Australian Conference of Economists (33rd : 2004 : Sydney, Australia)