When Elders Rule: Age Composition in DecisionMaking and Legitimacy Perceptions

Abstract

How does the predominance of older people in decision-making bodies influence citizens’ evaluations of their legitimacy? Through a survey experiment in the US, we vary the age composition of a bipartisan state legislative committee and its policy decisions. We find that citizens view the committee and its decisions as more legitimate if it has a balanced age composition, rather than consisting only of older members. The presence of younger members improves perceptions of procedural fairness, regardless of the decision reached, and can even legitimize decisions that go against youth interests. Additionally, age diversity enhances perceived legitimacy more for younger people than for older people, and for Democrats compared to Republicans. Our study suggests that greater youth representation in the decision-making process can bolster public trust in democratic institutions to produce more equitable outcomes.