Are Politicians Rational Actors? Political Careers in the Canadian House of Commons

Abstract

<p>Conventional analysis suggests that the Canadian House of Commons suffers from a lack of experienced parliamentarians. This thesis attempts to provide an analysis of political careers in Canada, and suggests that not all careers are of such a short duration. An initial analysis of Canadian political careers found some evidence to support the argument that there is little opportunity for advancement within Parliament, and that this affects the choices individuals make about staying in political life. Politicians who made it to cabinet have had longer careers than MPs who spent their entire career as a private member.</p> <p>An analysis of exit patterns of politicians however, found that advancement within Parliament is not the only inducement for a long political career. MPs, both cabinet ministers and backbenchers, who leave parliament by choice tend to leave after a career that is much longer than that of members who leave through electoral defeat. This indicates that a number of MPs are not making decisions to leave office, based on their inability to receive quick promotions to positions of authority (namely cabinet or positions of authority within their parties).</p> <p>The thesis concludes by suggesting that the rational choice model has helped our understanding of political careers, but does not offer an encompassing explanation. It is suggested that future work in this field should examine the role that institutions (Parliament and parties) play in structuring MPs views about the attractions of pursuing a career in the Canadian House of Commons.</p>