What is one characteristic of policies developed through punctuated equilibrium?

Punctuated equilibrium theory in public policy suggests that changes in policy are not uniform over time but rather occur in bursts following significant events or shifts in public opinion. This theory posits that there are long periods of stability where policies remain unchanged, followed by short, intense periods of rapid change, often driven by crises, political upheaval, or major societal shifts.

The characteristic of rapid change following a significant event reflects the essence of how punctuated equilibrium operates. When a catalyst—such as a social movement, economic crisis, or a pivotal election—occurs, it can lead to a reevaluation of existing policies and prompt significant reform. This contrasts with the slower, more incremental changes that can occur in other policy contexts. In punctuated equilibrium, these sudden shifts are what redefine or transform public policy in a meaningful way.