THE ROLE OF THE MEDIAN LEGISLATOR IN US TRADE-POLICY - A HISTORICAL-ANALYSIS

In this historical analysis of U.S. trade policy, we apply the median voter model to explain legislative decision making. In this model, the level of tariff protection is expected to change with changes in the median legislator We show that this simple model does a remarkable job of explaining trade policy until the mid-1930s, when it breaks down. We offer several possible explanations fbr the breakdown of this model , focusing particularly on the impact of domestic and international in stitutional changes that may have altered the role of the median legis lator in trade policy formation.