William M. Chandler

Policy Analysis and the Search for Theory

Political scientists have studied American public policy in three distinct ways. First, there are single-case studies, the earlier ones seeking to show &dquo;how the system works,&dquo; and some more recent pieces attempting (generally in the last chapter) to provide grounds for comparison with other policies. ~ Second, we have aggregate studies. These usually involve cross-state comparisons testing the relationships between a seemingly endless array of political, demographic, or economic variables on the one hand, and policy outcomes (generally measured by levels of expenditure) on the other hand.2 Third, we have essays which attempt to synthesize what we know, or should learn, by providing a classificatory schema, model, or theory. 3

The Problem of Indicator Formation in Comparative Research

ness. Each of the four resulting cells represents a category of information. These categories serve as purely analytic devices, useful in handling the problem of the linkage between the abstract and the empirical. In the course of describing each of the categories, we may also see the problems created when comparative research relies primarily on only one of these information cells. The Nature-Concepts category stands for the abstract theoretical model. Most simply the information in that cell is the outline of how we expect things to work. This type of information includes the laws of behavior which are the basis for the perception of the environment. The information in this cell constitutes the most abstract and interrelated data. The State-Concepts cell contains the isolated contents of the model. Unfortunately, studies that focus on the isolated variables in this cell,

Peer-Group Socialization among German Students

When compared to research on the family and the school, the study of peer groups within the context of political socialization is a relatively neglected area. Somewhat more concern for peer-group effects has been indicated by non-political social scientists, especially social psychologists. But even though some of their work is suggestive, its application is often marginal for explaining political attitudes. Just as the existing theory on peer-group political socialization is weak, so are the existing data and analysis. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of peer-group socialization among German students. This analysis is based on a survey of student attitudes at the University of Cologne. The survey is a random sample of 855 respondents and was carried out in 1968.

Federalism and the Role of the State@@@New Dimensions of Canadian Federalism: Canada in a Comparative Perspective

This book provides an assessment of federalism in the contemporary Canadian political system. In a crossnational discussion, it focuses on issues such as constitutional reform, public health planning, economic strategies, foreign relations, and national energy policy.

Der Ombudsman in den kanadischen Provinzen

Die schwedische Erfindung eines „Volksanwalts“ in der Form eines parlamentarischen Ombudsmans geht auf das Jahr 1809 zuruck. Doch die internationale Verbreitung dieser Idee und ihre Verwirklichung in vielen Landern der modernen Welt ist ein relativ neues Phanomen. In Nordamerika waren es vor allem die kanadischen Provinzen, die in dieser Hinsicht Pionierarbeit geleistet haben. Der folgende Bericht versucht, einen Uberblick uber die Entwicklung des Ombudsmanamtes in Kanada zu geben. Das geschieht in der Absicht, sowohl die zentralen Hemmnisse als auch die Triebkrafte fur die Entwickling dieser Institution zu identifizieren und ihre Rolle in den Provinzen angemessen zu beschreiben. Die kanadischen Erfahrungen konnen dabei als Bezugspunkt und Vergleichsbasis fur ahnliche Entwicklungen in anderen Staaten dienen. Solche Vergleiche sind vor allem dann von besonderem Wert, wenn es darum geht, die Rolle des Ombudsmans in anderen foderalistischen Regierungssystemen zu analysieren. Ein Blick auf die von den Ombudsmannern in den Provinzen tatsachlich geleistete Arbeit mag daruber hinaus mogliche Anhaltspunkte daruber liefern, wie weitere Reform-und Anpasssungsprozesse aussehen konnten.