Early democratic theorists argued that one purpose of a democratic government is to increase the happiness of its citizens. However, all democracies are not equal. Some democracies through their institutional arrangements create broader representation to their citizens, while others reduce...

Most discussion of vetogates emphasizes how these institutional features limit and constrain the possibilities for reform. Less discussed, however, is how these same vetogates, aided by a staggered electoral calendar for each House of Congress and the Presidency, allow reform coalitions - once...