Rejecting Compromise

This investigation of national, state, and local legislators tackles a pressing problem: the gridlock arising from politicians rejecting compromise for fear of punishment from voters in primary elections. Examining legislative behavior and possible negotiation reforms, this book will interest scholars and students studying polarization, Congress, American politics, and public policy.

1. Rejecting compromise, getting gridlock; 2. Legislators reject half-loaf compromises; 3. Legislators reject half-loaf compromises because they fear voter retribution; 4. Primary voters as the source of punishment; 5. Voter punishment is rare but real; 6. Structuring negotiations in the shadow of primary voter punishment; 7. Compromise, voter punishment in primaries, and legislative gridlock; References.