On (the lack of) Gun Control Laws: How Much is the NRA to Blame?
This is a reblog of one of Nate’s posts from January of 2011 in response to the Gabby Giffords shooting. I think it’s germane to the present conversation. And for the… Read More
The Filibuster: An “Accident of History”? On the Common Cause Lawsuit.
A few months back, we at the blog had a semi-regular series: “things institutionalists know that you should” (see for example see Josh on timing, Nate on Plott’s… Read More
Obligatory Electoral College Maps Are Obligatory
If the antiquated Electoral College is good for one thing, it’s making fun maps. Here are some Electoral College results you might see tomorrow morning (or late tonight if you’re… Read More
Quick Response on Polarization
Voteview has a very interesting look into my last post. I highly recommend it for those interested in the problem. They run an experiment by eliminating all the close… Read More
The Polarization Culprits
Jennifer Victor and Seth Masket recently posted a couple very good posts over at the Mischeifs of Faction on polarization in Congress. If you aren’t already reading… Read More
Paul Ryan “Worked With Democrats as Often as Any Republican.”
The effort to define Paul Ryan is in full swing. While most political observers are well aware of Ryan’s record, prior to his VP selection fully 43% of Americans… Read More
Reforming Polarization and Gridlock: Series on Congressional Reform
For someone who studies congressional development, the past couple years have been frustrating. Many people with noble intentions proposed reforms to remedy our dysfunctional Congress. However, these discussions have almost universally… Read More
Institutional Advancement: Do Dan Boren’s Claims Add Up?
Politico published an insightful article yesterday provocatively titled “Members of Congress: This Job Sucks.” Much of the article centers on and interview with Oklahoma Representative Dan Boren (D). Boren is retiring… Read More
How Air-Conditioning increased Polarization
John Farrell has a take on polarization in the National Journal. It’s a really interesting read and I recommend it, particularly if you are interested in the electoral forces… Read More
The Cordray Appointment and Congress’s Crisis of Legitimation
Last week Richard Cordray received what the White House called a “recess” appointment to serve as director of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (side note: during break I was… Read More