Guns and Politics in Colorado
2014
This case study illustrates how grassroots efforts affect the politics of gun control legislation in Colorado. It describes what happened when Democratic senators in Colorado who supported gun control legislation were “recalled” out of office, and explores the implications for those who remained. Using the backdrop of Colorado’s 2013 gun control laws, the case allows students to explore the efficacy of grassroots campaigns and the power of a vocal minority to affect the political landscape. The case asks students to consider how elected officials can govern effectively if their legislative voting record is unpopular with their constituents.
The case is part of a series produced by the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Case Program, hosted by the HKS Strengthening Learning and Teaching Excellence (SLATE) initiative, the world’s largest producer and repository of case studies designed for teaching about how government works and how public policy is made. Each case in the series is designed to train public leaders, and introduces actual policy dilemmas along with data to equip students to learn how to apply the rigor of quantitative analysis in the real world.
This case may be purchased for a nominal fee; registered educators may obtain a free review copy. Online supplemental resources include short free documents and videos on how to teach with the case method, as well as downloadable related tip sheets and questions for class discussion.
Source:
Winig L. In the Crossfire: Guns, Legislative Leadership and Recall Politics in Colorado. HKS Case No. 2033.0. Harvard Kennedy School Case Program 2014. http://case.hks.harvard.edu/in-the-crossfire-guns-legislative-leadership-and-recall-politics-in-colorado.