Papers

Policy Agendas

By: Bryan Jones and Frank Baumgartner

Abstract: This paper presents the theoretical introduction for a forthcoming edited book with the same title. We review the importance of a punctuated equilibrium view of the political system. We note the importance of negative feedback systems in inducing long periods of stability and the periodic punctuations that arise from positive feedback systems when these come into operation. We discuss the importance of institutional design and institutional change in these processes.   Finally, we note the importance of a complete view of politics. Both negative and postive feedback systems are fundamental to the nature of politics; they should be fundamental to our theories of politics as well.