Pay Politicians More Money and Less Attention

If good governance is what makes nations prosper, then how do we improve our politicians? Like any job, the way to get better employees is give better pay:

Our main findings show that higher wages increases political competition and improves the quality of legislators, as measured by education, type of previous profession, and political experience in office.

Another study shows that improved candidate quality increases government efficiency:

Our results show that a higher wage attracts more educated candidates, and that better paid politicians size down the government machinery by improving internal efficiency.

It's also worth noting that press coverage seems to have a negative effect (negative that is, if you want less government spending):

Congressmen who are less covered by the local press work less for their constituencies: they are less likely to stand witness before congressional hearings, to serve on constituency-oriented committees (perhaps), and to vote against the party line. Finally, this congressional behavior affects policy. Federal spending is lower in areas where there is less press coverage of the local members of congress.

That's all via the always interesting Eric Barker.