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A theory of gridlock: Strategic behavior in legislative deliberations

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  • Evan Osborne

Abstract

This paper studies compromise and inflexibility in political negotiations. It provides the first analysis of gridlock, a result in which politicians fail to agree on an ideal compromise but which most voters find preferable to the status quo. A multistage game is developed in which contending political blocs choose from hardline or compromise strategies. The outcomes—compromise, gridlock, or one party's ideal legislation—are a function of the incentives of political actors to cooperate or fight. The model illustrates problems in political markets that may occur when consumers are poorly informed. Copyright International Atlantic Economic Society 1998

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  • Evan Osborne, 1998. "A theory of gridlock: Strategic behavior in legislative deliberations," Atlantic Economic Journal, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 26(3), pages 238-251, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:atlecj:v:26:y:1998:i:3:p:238-251
    DOI: 10.1007/BF02299342
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