PATHWAYS OF REPRESENTATION - A CAUSAL-ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION-POLICY LINKAGES

Theory: Alternative theories of the linkage process between mass polic y preferences and public policies are tested empirically. Hypotheses: Opinion-policy linkage may arise because mass preferences drive the po licy process, elite preferences drive the process, or because of a sha red-preferences, reciprocal influence process. Policy linkage may also be facilitated by higher voter mobilization and party competition. Me thods: A multiple-equation model of the opinion-policy process in the United States is tested with two-stage least squares regression. Resul ts: The state policy process is best explained by an opinion-sharing, reciprocal influence model. Shared partisanship, party competition, an d voter mobilization enhance the linkage process in theoretically anti cipated ways.