Analyzing Key Political Science Readings: Themes, Theories, and Implications for Public Administrators

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

Response papers should
be 1,000-1,200 words (about two full pages), typed in Times New Roman size 12 font,
single-spaced.
Students should briefly highlight the main themes or questions of the readings. The response
papers can (and should) discuss theories and methodological techniques of the readings;
discuss strengths and weaknesses of theories, hypotheses, and research methods;
discuss what implications exist for public administrators; and potential questions that
you have after engaging with the research.
Please look at the assignment topic and use information from the readings to write about the instructions regarding the response. Keep it simple and straight forward.
(Reading 1) : Increasing Returns, Path Dependence, and the Study of Politics
Author(s): Paul Pierson
Source:
The American Political Science Review, Vol. 94, No. 2 (Jun. 2000), pp. 251-267
Published by: American Political Science Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2586011
(Reading 2) : Bringing the State Back into Civic Engagement: Policy Feedback Effects of the G.I. Bill
for World War II Veterans
Author(s): Suzanne Mettler
Source:
The American Political Science Review, Vol. 96, No. 2 (Jun. 2002), pp. 351-365
Published by: American Political Science Association
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3118030Bringing the State Back into Civic Engagement: Pol

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

The two political science readings, “Increasing Returns, Path Dependence, and the Study of Politics” by Paul Pierson and “Bringing the State Back into Civic Engagement: Policy Feedback Effects of the G.I. Bill for World War II Veterans” by Suzanne Mettler, present interesting insights and theories on the study of politics and its implications for public administrators.

In Pierson’s article, he introduces the concept of increasing returns and path dependence to explain how historical events and initial conditions can shape future outcomes and lock in particular policy choices. He argues that this perspective challenges the conventional understanding of politics as an equilibrium-seeking process and instead emphasizes the role of contingency and feedback effects. Pierson’s article raises important questions about the role of institutions and path dependency in shaping policy outcomes and provides a new theoretical framework for analyzing political processes.

Mettler’s article focuses on the policy feedback effects of the G.I. Bill for World War II veterans and how it influenced civic engagement in the United States. She argues that the G.I. Bill created a powerful and positive feedback loop that facilitated greater political participation and social mobility for veterans and their families. Mettler’s research provides evidence for the importance of public policy in shaping civic engagement and social capital and offers important insights for public administrators interested in promoting citizen engagement and political participation.

Overall, these two readings offer important contributions to the study of politics and provide useful insights for public administrators. Pierson’s article challenges conventional understandings of politics and emphasizes the importance of path dependency and feedback effects, while Mettler’s article highlights the role of public policy in shaping civic engagement and social capital. These readings prompt important questions about the role of institutions, policy choices, and historical events in shaping political outcomes and provide useful tools for analyzing and promoting citizen engagement and participation.