comparative theories

• what is rational theory?

  focus on individuals -

  • act selfishly to protect best interests
  • evaluate options and pick out the best ones for them
• what is cultural theory?

  focus on groups and shared ideology -

  • groups act to protect and advance common ideology
  • cultural norms/expectations might guide the outcomes of a political system

  KEY WORD = SHARED
• what is structural theory?


  focus on institutions and process -

  • outcomes that can be explained by looking at processes that had to be followed
  • best explanation of political action and outcome

  KEYWORD - INSTITUTIONS