  This manuscript extensively reviews applications, extensions, and models
derived from the Bayesian ideal point estimator. We primarily focus our
attention on studies conducted in the United States as well as Latin America.
First, we provide a detailed description of the Bayesian ideal point estimator.
Next, we propose a new taxonomy to synthesize and frame technical developments
and applications associated with the estimator in the context of North American
and Latin American governing bodies. The literature available in Latin America
allows us to conclude that few legislatures in the region have been analyzed
using the methodology under discussion. Also, we highlight those parliaments of
Latin America embedded in democratic presidential systems as novel scenarios
for operationalizing the electoral behavior of legislative bodies through
nominal voting data. Our findings show some alternatives for future research.
Finally, to fix ideas and illustrate the capabilities of the Bayesian ideal
point estimator, we present an application involving the Colombian House of
Representatives 2010-2014.
