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Policy dynamics and electoral uncertainty in the appointments process

Author

Listed:
  • Jinhee Jo

    (Department of Political Science, Kyung Hee University, Korea)

  • David M Primo

    (Department of Political Science and Simon Business School, University of Rochester, USA)

  • Yoji Sekiya

    (Independent Scholar)

Abstract

By incorporating electoral uncertainty and policy dynamics into three two-period models of the appointments process, we show that gridlock may not always occur under divided government, contrary to the findings of static one-shot appointments models. In these cases, contrary to the ally principle familiar to students of bureaucratic politics, the president or the confirmer is willing to move the court away from his or her ideal point as a way to insulate against worse outcomes in period two. By demonstrating how a simple set of changes to a workhorse model can change equilibrium outcomes significantly, this paper provides a foundation for reconsidering the static approach to studying political appointments.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinhee Jo & David M Primo & Yoji Sekiya, 2017. "Policy dynamics and electoral uncertainty in the appointments process," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 29(1), pages 124-148, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:29:y:2017:i:1:p:124-148
    DOI: 10.1177/0951629816630432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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