Gov~1109 Comparative Institutional Design Pippa Norris Fall 2010

Structure 1.Course synopsis 2.Aims and objectives 3.Weekly schedule of topics 4.Assignments 5.Readings and materials 6.Sectioning and organization 7.Bio

1. Course synopsis Comparing worldwide and over time: 1.The principles, processes and goals of constitutional design 2.The mechanisms of institutional design –Electoral systems –Types of executives –Decentralization/federalism –Innovative reforms 3. The consequences and impact of constitutional designs

2. Aims and objectives Expand your knowledge and understanding about comparative institutions Deepen skills and techniques in comparative politics Provide an overview of major debates in the research literature Develop awareness of policy implications of institutional design choices

3. Weekly course schedule #DateClass topic 1Wed 1 st SeptIntroduction and course over-view 2Mon 13 th SeptThe principles and goals of constitutional design 3Mon 20 th SeptElectoral rules and processes 4Mon 27 th SeptTypes of parliamentary and presidential executives 5Mon 4 th OctVertical power-sharing: federalism and decentralization 6Mon 18 th OctInnovative reforms for transparency and participation 7Mon 25 th OctThe political processes determining institutional choices 8Mon 1 st NovConsequences for economic growth 9Mon 8 th NovConsequences for human development and social welfare 10Mon 15 th NovConsequences for conflict and stability 11Mon 22 nd NovConsequences for the quality of democratic governance 12Mon 29 th NovConclusions and review DecExamination period

4. Assignments 1. Paper. 20%. Institutional Choices. Due 10am Monday 18 th October. 1,500 word essay. Pick one of the assigned topics. 2. Briefing memo: 10% Due 10am Monday 1 st November. Two- sided memo answering the following question: What would be your recommendations for the type of electoral system, type of executive, and type of decentralization for the new Nepal constitution and why? 3. Paper. 20%. Institutional consequences: Due 10am Monday 29 th November. 1,500 word essay. Pick one of the assigned topics for your paper 4. Final examination. 35% Dec 2010 Essay based examination where you are asked to write two essays out of a choice of 10 questions. The examination will be held during the period Dec Section attendance: 15%

5. Readings and materials Pippa Norris Driving Democracy. CUP Articles available through Hollis Citation Linker – add DOI Supplementary bibliography for assignments Online resource class website

6. Sections and organizations Teaching fellow: Ruxandra Paul Weekly section meetings starting the week beginning Monday 13 th September Signup Please check all sections that you can come to Tuesday 1:00 - 2:00 PM Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 PM Wednesday 3:00 - 4:00 PM

7. Bio

Next class: Wednesday 13 th Sept 2-4 The principles and goals of constitutional design Read Lijphart, Ginsburg and Samuels (any two cases)