THE LENGTH OF LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS AND THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT

This article suggests a simple and straightforward explanation for gov ernment growth based on the length of time that Congress meets in sess ion. The basic hypothesis is that the more time spent in session, the longer and/or more complex the number of bills enacted into law. Becau se each bill enacted is likely to entail some spending clauses, the bi lls enacted in longer sessions are likely to involve larger government spending than those passed in shorter sessions. Using data for both h ouses of Congress for the period 1947-1982, this article provides evid ence in support of the hypothesis that government growth can be partia lly explained by the length of time that Congress takes in session.