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Politics, Institutions, and Public Policy

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

Daniel Galvin

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:

Laurel Harbridge-Yong and Rachel Hutchinson. 2024. The Plurality Problem: Plurality Primary Victors Hurt Parties in General Elections (WP-24-07).

Felipe Gonçalves, Elisa Jácome, and Emily Weisburst. 2024. Immigration Enforcement and Public Safety (WP-24-06).

Alexander Furnas, Timothy LaPira, and Dashun Wang. 2024. Partisan Disparities in the Use of Science in Policy (WP-24-05).

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.

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Events

May
20
2024
Insights about Social Movement Tactics and Influence

Brayden King, Max McGraw Chair of Management and the Environment, Professor of Management and Organizations, and IPR Associate

Apr
15
2024
Who Governs the Association?

Brian Libgober, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and IPR Fellow

Policy Brief: Discrimination in the Housing Market

Are government housing practices fair? After WWII, millions of Americans bought homes for the first time thanks to the standardization of 30-year mortgages. IPR political scientist Chloe Thurston explains how many minorities and women were shut out of the housing market due to discriminatory government policies and how they fought for homeownership through advocacy groups like the NAACP and NOW.

Download the brief