Asymmetric Priorities: A Conjoint Analysis of Feasible Political Compromise

• In Event: Political Parties, Perceptions, and Policies

Abstract

As citizens sort along increasingly partisan lines, the prospect of political compromise among elites becomes scarce. Sharp political divides dictate that any policy win for one party constitutes a devastating loss for the other. Yet, this pessimistic view of politics assumes all political losses are treated equal and are equally unacceptable. This article argues that by identifying policies overwhelmingly favored by one party (e.g., Republicans), but that fail to repulse the other party (e.g., Democrats) modern political compromise is not dead – but instead a complex puzzle hindered by information deficits. Drawing on the results of a conjoint experiment I demonstrate where “compromise fault lines” exist in the electorate and provide a roadmap for political compromise at the elite level.

Author

• Ian Shapiro, Brennan Center For Justice At NYU School of Law