A model of policy formation through simulated annealing: The impact of preference alignment on productivity and satisfaction

Abstract

We are interested in how preference correlations can impact policy-maker productivity and their satisfaction with resultant policy. We applied a simulated annealing process as a model of revising draft legislation in peer and committee reviews before submission to a floor vote. Results indicate that having exogenous, common issue priorities is required for productivity but that some structures inhibit productivity, particularly where preference schedules are uncorrelated. Our model also demonstrates lower system efficiency, and lower overall satisfaction, as policy is negotiated through compromise to achieve higher production.