Politics, Institutions, and Public Policy: Institute for Policy Research

This broad multidisciplinary program traces how social, political, and institutional dynamics shape and constrain national policymaking in the United States and in comparison with other countries. Experts in political identity, public opinion, inequality, political parties, media, gender, and many others come together to debate and study political processes and institutions and their participants.

A Message From Daniel Galvin, Program Chair

From the partisan divide on COVID-19 to systemic racial injustices to impediments to democratic participation, political institutions are being tested like never before. IPR faculty examine how political, social, and economic dynamics affect institutional operations and decision-making processes in the United States. Researchers analyze the interplay between political institutions, political behavior, and public policies.

Working Papers

Recently published articles and working papers in this program area include:

Janice Fine, Daniel Galvin, Jenn Round, and Hana Shepherd. 2021. Wage Theft in a Recession: Unemployment, Labor Violations, and Enforcement Strategies for Difficult Times (WP-21-09).

Laurel Harbridge-Yong, Craig Volden, and Alan Wiseman. 2021. Are Bipartisan Lawmakers More Effective? (WP-21-08).

Hui Ding, Mark Duggan, and Amanda Starc. 2021. Getting the Price Right? The Impact of Competitive Bidding in the Medicare Program (WP-21-07).

All Papers

Faculty Experts

Representing the fields of political science, economics, social policy, psychology, and sociology, faculty delve into the worlds of politics, institutions, and policymaking.