On the optimization of legislative periods — Similarities to the optimization of rotation periods

The optimal length of legislative periods has been debated extensively throughout history. This study examines the applicability of models known from forestry and forest economics for optimizing rotation periods (Faustmann formula) and deciding whether a forest stand has reached maturity (Pressler's ‘indicator percent’) to the field of politics. After drawing possible analogies between optimizing rotation periods (or investment cycles) and optimizing election periods it is investigated whether empirical evidence exists for the alleged analogies in European democracies.

► Relationships known from forest economic models partly applicable to politics. ► No analogies between Pressler's indicator percent and triggering of new elections. ► Hypotheses derived from forest economic models could not be verified.