Do Reserved Seats Work? Evidence from Tribal Representatives in Maine

Abstract Do reserved seats yield substantive representation for traditionally marginalized groups? To answer that question, we turn to a remarkable and little-studied institution: Native American tribes in the Maine House of Representatives. Tribal representatives, who can participate debate but lack vote, have represented Maine’s Representatives since statehood 1820. We take advantage 1995 rule change allowed tribal representatives initiate legislation, an original dataset pro-tribal bills, estimate effect on production bills. find once were write they produced over half all tribal-related legislation during 36-year period. Legislators with constituents sponsored fewer relevant bills after reform continued cosponsor legislation. Although our results show contribute legislative process, caution are not panacea improving Indigenous representation.