Dynamic Democracy: Public Opinion, Elections, and Policymaking in the American States

Devin Caughey and Christopher Warshaw's research challenges the pessimistic view that ordinary citizens cannot influence government policy. They argue that electoral incentives induce state parties and politicians to adapt to voters' preferences, and that policymaking is more responsive to citizens demands than skeptics claim. Their evidence across states and over time provides new insights into the evolution of democracy, the nationalization of state-level politics, and the performance of moderate candidates.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Scholars of American politics have long held a skeptical view of the capacity of ordinary citizens to influence or control their governments. However, Devin Caughey and Christopher Warshaw challenge this pessimistic perspective by presenting compelling evidence based on over eight decades of state-level data. Their research reveals that state policymaking is more responsive to citizens' demands than previously believed.

While governments may respond sluggishly in the short term, electoral incentives play a significant role in inducing state parties, politicians, and ultimately policymaking to adapt to voters' preferences. The authors adopt an empirical and theoretical approach to evaluate democracy as a dynamic process. Their extensive evidence spanning multiple states and periods provides valuable insights into various outcomes and trends. These include the evolution of mass partisanship, mass ideology, and the relationship between partisanship and ideology since the mid-twentieth century; the nationalization of state-level politics; mechanisms for voter accountability; the performance of moderate candidates compared to extreme candidates; and the quality of state-level democracy in contemporary times compared to past periods.

By challenging the notion of citizen influence and control, Caughey and Warshaw's research offers a fresh perspective on policy responsiveness in American government. Their findings provide valuable tools for assessing the health and effectiveness of democratic systems, informing policymakers and citizens alike about the potential for meaningful engagement and change.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226822204