The big normative question that will be addressed in the pipeline: To what extent do legislators represent their constituents? Or, In what ways do legislators act in extreme ways that their constituents would want? This blog begins with Hardin’s (1968) The Tragedy of the Commons, then explores Coase’s (1960) The Problem of Social Cost, and…
But why can’t democracy survive!? A President may choose three ways to subvert democracy: First, a constitutional amendment lets him run again, Second, he appoints a parrot successor instead, Or, new rules guarantee that the parrot suffers his dread.[1] Then, the President—to be strong—does contrive: That only his party is…
Political scientists have theories for just about every political topic. Theories provide an explanation for political phenomena. We call ourselves scientists because we use scientific techniques to test the theories for evidence. Then we publish our findings. Some political scientists are really good at scientifically revealing the faults of others’ theories, while outstanding researchers then…
CHALLENGE QUESTION 1: [READ THIS AND THEN SUBMIT YOUR OWN ANSWER AS A COMMENT]. There are 10 Things Every “Comparative Comparativist” Already Knows—or should know: 1. Scholars of comparative politics research electoral behavior, political networks, political institutions, contentious politics, comparative political economies, welfare states, international-comparative linkages, and the state.[1] In general, scholars will research only…
Political Pipeline 