Chairperson, Graduate Committee: David E. Buschena.Zhorayev, Olzhas Zhumadillayevich2013-06-252013-06-252008https://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/2601There are different models predicting a connection between political variables and the allocation of federal spending. A major focus of this study is the effect of political factors on the distribution of disaster aid payments. Using U.S. state-level data on disaster assistance programs, this research analyzed whether a difference in federal funds flowing to states can be explained by political incentives. Empirical results showed that political factors do matter in explaining that difference.enDisaster reliefFinance, PublicPublic administrationThesisCopyright 2008 by Olzhas Zhumadillayevich Zhorayev