In this paper I examine what determines cosponsorship in the EP. In order to answer this question, I briefly discuss the relevant literature and theoretical considerations before I present my hypothesis. Then I first present the results of a social network analysis of members of the European Parliament (MEPs), specifically members of the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) based on amendment cosponsorship. To conclude, I discuss those findings and express thoughts about future improvements of the dataset.
A large part of the work of representatives in legislative bodies consists of crafting bills and amendments to them. Often, representatives cooperate in this task. There are many reasons for this: Getting more support from colleagues or acceptance from constituents, the sharing of workload or to signal policy positions. Tam Cho and Fowler even found that the interconnectedness of representatives can influence the productivity of their institution, leading to influential bills.
Fowler used cosponsorship to determine connectedness or social distance in order to explain roll call votes while controlling for ideology and party. Cosponsorship has been found to have position taking and policy significance. But research about these effects is largely focused on the US with its presidential two-party system.
The European Parliament (EP) plays an increasingly important role not only for research but also in the polity of the European Union (EU). As a body consisting of publicly elected representatives from national parties organizing in political rather than in national groups, it constitutes a peculiar case to study.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Cosponsorship in the European Parliament
- Determinants of Cosponsorship
- A Network of Amendments
- Only Limited Evidence
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the factors influencing cosponsorship of amendments in the European Parliament (EP), particularly focusing on the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI). It examines the social network analysis of MEPs within JURI, exploring how different factors such as national interests, political groups, and social identity influence their collaborative behavior.
- Understanding the dynamics of cosponsorship in the EP.
- Exploring the influence of homophily and social identity on cosponsorship networks.
- Examining the role of political groups, national interests, and other relevant factors in shaping cosponsorship patterns.
- Analyzing the network structure of JURI members based on their cosponsorship behavior.
- Comparing and contrasting the EP's cosponsorship dynamics with other legislative bodies.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter 1: Cosponsorship in the European Parliament: This chapter introduces the concept of cosponsorship in legislative bodies, highlighting its various motivations and significance. It focuses on the unique characteristics of the EP as a supranational body with national parties forming political groups, making it an interesting case study. The chapter also discusses the research question, outlines the methodology, and introduces the specific focus on JURI members.
- Chapter 2: Determinants of Cosponsorship: This chapter explores the theoretical framework of cosponsorship, drawing on existing literature primarily focused on the US Congress. It examines the influence of factors like homophily, social identity, and institutional arrangements. The chapter then discusses the specific context of the EP, highlighting the potential impact of national interests, political groups, and other unique factors on cosponsorship patterns.
- Chapter 3: A Network of Amendments: This chapter details the methodology used to analyze the cosponsorship network. It describes the data collection process, the sample used, and the limitations encountered. The chapter provides an overview of the network structure and the variables used to analyze it.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on cosponsorship, social network analysis, European Parliament, Legal Affairs Committee, homophily, social identity, political groups, national interests, and the unique institutional context of the EP.
- Quote paper
- Christin Rudolph (Author), 2019, Cosponsorship in the European Parliament Via Social Networks, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/501249
