Research Interests

American Politics: Institutions

The U.S. Legislature

As the American people perceive Congress as unresponsive and gridlocked, individuals and groups are looking to the courts as a means of policymaking. Examining constraints within the courts and the separation of power between them and the other branches of government is will be essential to understanding the modern political environment.

Law & Courts

The rules and norms that govern the relationship between the branches of the national government have a cascading effect on policy outcomes, policy implementation, and how elected officials view their role as representatives. There exists a continuous push and pull between the branches of government, but also betweeen the national government and the states. How well they coordinate affects policy formulation and implementation.

Instituional
Processes

I have a strong interest in representation in the US Senate. The Senate’s role as a voice for the nation’s minority and its apportionment inspire normative questions about its role in a nation that values the notion of ‘one-person, one-vote.’ Its decentralized structure fosters important empirical questions about collective action and coordination among individuals with diverse interests.