Written by Michael Laver (New York University), this chapter of A Political Science Experiment explores the following questions:

– What is the difference between a “head of state” and a “chief executive”?
– How do legislatures constrain or control governments?
– What is the difference between a “unified” and “divided” government?
– How do minority governments affect gridlock?
– What is the process for forming a new government, and what is at stake in government formation?
– What happens if politicians care only about the spoils of office?
– What happens if politicians care only about their policy preferences?
– Are coalitions less stable than single-party governments?
– Are some types of coalition governments more stable than others?
– Which factors contribute to more durable governments?