Architects of Political Change
Constitutional Quandaries and Social Choice Theory

Explores how leading political figures in Great Britain and the US contributed to profound changes.

Norman Schofield (Author)

9780521832021, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 June 2006

336 pages, 8 tables
23.6 x 16.1 x 2.2 cm, 0.577 kg

"This is an excellent book. Many key historical figures and well-known events are seen here from a single perspective created by the author using the ideas of social choice theory and models of coalition formation in the policy space. I believe that many readers will want to apply the techniques developed in this book to other historical events." Fuad Aleskerov, State University “Higher School of Economics”, Moscow, Russia and Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Control Sciences

This work offers a set of extended interpretations of Madison's argument in Federalist X of 1787, using ideas from social choice theory and from the work of Douglass North, Mancur Olson, and William Riker. Its focus is not on rational choice theory itself, but on the use of this theory as a heuristic device to better understand democratic institutions. The treatment adapts a formal model of elections to consider rapid constitutional change at periods when societies face quandaries. The topics explored in the book include Britain's reorganization of its fiscal system in the eighteenth century to prosecute its wars with France; the Colonies' decision to declare independence in 1776; Madison's argument about the 'probability of fit choice' during the Ratification period of 1787-88; the argument between Hamilton and Jefferson in 1798–1800 over the long run organization of the US economy and the election of Lincoln in 1860.

Preface
1. Constitutional quandaries and rational choice
2. Power, prosperity and social choice
3. Franklin and the War of Independence: 1776-1783
4. Madison, Jefferson and condorcet
5. Lincoln and the Civil War
6. Johnson and the critical realignment of 1964
7. Keynes and the Atlantic constitution
8. Preferences and beliefs
9. Political change
10. Notes
11. Figures and tables.

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP], Political science & theory [JPA], Sociology & anthropology [JH], History [HB]