Category Archives: Filibuster

The Filibuster: An “Accident of History”? On the Common Cause Lawsuit.

Posted on December 12, 2012 by

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 fundamental equation, and myself on the status quo bias of institutions).  This … Continue reading →

Posted in American Political Development, Filibuster, Legislative Politics, Legislative Procedure | 1 Comment

Reforming Polarization and Gridlock: Series on Congressional Reform

Posted on March 14, 2012 by

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 missed the causes of gridlock and polarization. They offer remedies … Continue reading →

Posted in Filibuster, Legislative Politics, Legislative Procedure, Polarization, Political Institutions, Senate, Separation of Powers | 1 Comment

Left and Right are Still Important: The Flux of National Debate

Posted on February 24, 2012 by

Ezra Klein is frustrated with the fluctuation in party positions. His most damaging critique of this dynamic: “Parties — particularly when they’re in the minority — care more about power than policy.” And parties’ fluctuation in their respective policy positions “make … Continue reading →

Posted in Filibuster, Policy Agendas, Political Parties, The Presidency | 1 Comment

The Debt Ceiling and the Decline of American Democracy

Posted on August 1, 2011 by

Jacob Hacker and Oona Hathaway, both professors at Yale University, have a very good op-ed in today’s New York Times. I definitely recommend it. To sum up their argument, the U.S. has a democracy problem. The U.S. Government is unable … Continue reading →

Posted in American Political Development, Elections, Electoral Institutions, Filibuster, Legislative Politics, Legislative Theory, Separation of Powers, The Presidency | 2 Comments

Gridlock: Politicians are “Out of Touch”?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by

Gridlock is a popular talking point recently. It is, of course, a response to Congress’s inaction on just about everything. While this is what is exactly what is expected during a time of divided government and high polarization, there is … Continue reading →

Posted in Filibuster, Legislative Politics, Legislative Procedure | 1 Comment