Modeling Politics

Dr. Courtney Brown

Assignment #1

Read Nelson Polsby's essay on institutionalization in the U.S. House of Representatives. Note how he presents data using a measure of central tendency. Write a short three to five page essay describing Polsby's empirical analyses. In addition to a measure of central tendency, he also writes about how that measure can change, especially over time. Discuss his findings. Be sure to write specifically about how he uses descriptive statistics to make his point. What actually is his point? Write about how he uses numbers to address his substantive interest.

Use normal margins of 1 inch all around. Use Times New Roman 12 point font, and double space.