Coalition Theory, Government Policy and Party Policy

Abstract

In this chapter we consider how conventional coalition theory has handled the link between party and coalition policy and discuss ways in which the analysis of party manifestos and government declarations might throw light on the issues that have been raised. We also consider the extent to which this link might be attenuated by the range of structural constraints and influences affecting coalition bargaining in any given system. Since Laver and Schofield have recently provided a comprehensive review of coalition theory as it applies to all aspects of government formation and maintenance, we concentrate here only upon those aspects that have a direct bearing upon the interaction of party and coalition policy (Laver and Schofield, 1990).