Note: this is the course description for both “Legislative Behaviour I” taught in block 3 and “Legislative Behaviour II” taught in block 4.
Description
In representative democracy, and in parliamentary systems in particular, parliament forms the linchpin between civil society and the state. Consequently, parliament is one of the most important political institutions and the behaviour of parliamentarians is one of the most interesting forms of political behaviour. Under the heading of ‘legislative behaviour’ this seminar potentially addresses a range of institutional arrangements and patterns of behaviour: political representation, executive-legislative relations, party cohesion, committee assignments, etc. We cannot study all of them in one seminar. The first weeks of the seminar in block II will be intensive study and discussion of the comparative literature regarding the selected theme. Subsequently, students will work on their own research paper using datasets based on interviews with Dutch MPs (the Dutch Parliamentary Studies of 1968, 1972, 1979, 1990, 2001, and 2006. For some variables, comparison with data based on interviews with voters (in the Dutch National Election Studies) is also possible.
Methods of Instruction
Literature study, independent secondary analysis of data, classroom discussions.
Study material
Journal articles and chapters in books; to be announced.
Examination
On the basis of a research paper.
Schedule
Wednesday 2 February till 23 March, 13.00 – 15.00 hrs., in SB19 (except 2 Feb. SA23).