Institutions: This perspective focuses on formal governance structures and their impact on political behavior. It includes normative institutionalism (James March and Johan P. Olsen), rational choice institutionalism, and historical institutionalism (Paul Pierson). Institutionalism is better at explaining stability than change.

Interests: This approach, associated with rational choice theory, examines how individual and group preferences influence political actions. It often explores interactions between societal interests and the state. Mancur Olson's "The Logic of Collective Action" is a key text in this area.

Ideas: This perspective emphasizes political culture, ideologies, and policy ideas in shaping political outcomes. Almond and Verba's "The Civic Culture" is noted for its work on political culture. This approach highlights the role of values and beliefs in political landscapes.

Spell: Comparative Political Systems Midterm