The study of the politics of electoral reform in the 1990s: Theoretical and methodological lessons

The applicability of rational choice models is dependent upon the levels of stability and certainly in the political area. This point can be demonstrated through an analysis of the politics of preserving electoral systems, in particular, through a critique of a rational choice analysis of Israel. The very nature of the arenas in which electoral reform was adopted in the 1990s, in Israel and other established democracies, and the nature of the proposed reforms make this subject unsuitable for study through the rational choice paradigm. An alternative analysis of Israel and an alternative approach that can incorporate these inherent complexities would be more appropriate.