When the Worlds of Preferences Collide: Determinants of MP’s Attitudes on the Italian Questione Romana 1861–1870

Abstract

The relationship between original and induced preferences in affecting political actions has been a recurrent topic in the literature. Less attention has been devoted to investigating the interaction between these two preferences, and possible neutralising/reinforcing effects. We explore this dynamic on a crucial issue in XIX century Italy, the ‘Questione Romana’, employing a quantitative analysis on an original corpus of legislative speeches (1861–1870). The absence of strong parties allows investigating the relationship between MPs’ original preferences and that induced by their voters’ linkage. Moreover, as politicians and voters were part of the same elite, we can check how their paths of political socialisation shape this relationship, leading to aligned or colliding preferences.