Gov~1109 Comparative Institutional Design

Pippa NorrisSpring 2012

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

8. Paired discussion exercise

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# Monday Lecture Class topic

1 23 Jan Introduction and course overview2 30 Jan The principles, goals and constraints of constitutional

design

3 6 Feb Electoral rules and processes 4 13 Feb Types of executives 5 27 Feb (Paper I) Sub-national governance: federalism and decentralization 6 5 Mar Human rights and the judiciary7 19 Mar Role playing case study: constitutional choices 8 26 Mar (Memo) Consequences for economic growth 9 2 Apr (Samuels) Consequences for human development and social welfare 10 9 Apr Consequences for conflict and stability 11 16 Apr Consequences for the quality of democratic governance

12 23 Apr (Paper II) Conclusions and review

    Examination period

4. Assignments

1. Paper. 20%. Institutional Choices. Due 2pm Monday 5th March. 1,500 word essay. Pick one of the assigned topics.

2. Briefing memo: 10% Due 2pm Monday 26th March. 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 2pm Monday 23rd April. 1,500 word essay. Pick one of the assigned topics for your paper

4. Final examination. 35%

Essay based examination where you are asked to write two essays out of a choice of 10 questions. This will be held during the spring examination period.

5. Section attendance and class participation: 15%

5. Readings and materials• Pippa Norris. 2008. Driving Democracy. CUP

• Articles available through Hollis Citation Linker – add DOI

• Supplementary bibliography for assignments

• Online resource class website

http://isites.harvard.edu/k83760

6. Sections and organizations

Teaching fellow: Dr Kirsti SamuelsKirsti_Samuels@hks12.harvard.edu  Weekly section meetings starting the week beginning Monday 30th January. Please select all of the section times you can attend • Mondays 9.00 - 10.00 AM• Tuesdays 9.00-10.00 AM• Wednesdays 2.30 - 3.30 PM• Fridays 2.00 - 3.00 PM

7. Bio

8. Paired discussion exercise

USAID consultancy

Divide up into pairs for this exercise. You will have 10-15 minutes to discuss and develop your key points in pairs then we will have a general class discussion for 10-15 minutes to compare your recommendations.You have been asked to serve as a consultant to US-AID, the main US government agency concerned with strengthening democratic governance in developing countries. See briefing…

What would be your recommendations to USAID in terms of…: (1) Which of these three countries would you prioritize for aid spending on democratic governance and why? (2) Which are the two or three most urgent problems of democratic governance facing these countries where you recommend USAID intervention and why? (3) What types of programs and actions would you recommend to address these problems and why?

Next class:Monday 30th Jan 2-4The principles and goals of constitutional designRead Lijphart, Ginsburg and Samuels (any two cases)