Why might political leaders follow informal norms as well as formal laws?

Political leaders follow both formal laws and informal norms because these institutions collectively constrain and guide political behavior. While formal rules are explicitly written in constitutions or laws, informal norms—routines, customs, and conventions—are often just as powerful and difficult to change because they are rooted in tradition.1

Political scientists offer several reasons for this adherence:

• Rational Choice: Leaders may follow norms to maximize rewards or avoid sanctions, such as maintaining party discipline to secure future career advancement.2
• Normative Perspective: Leaders often adhere to norms because they perceive certain actions as appropriate for their role. For example, a minister might resign during a crisis to uphold standards of proper conduct, regardless of personal political gain.2
• Sociological Perspective: Some norms are followed because they are taken for granted; they become the standard, expected response to specific situations, such as appointing an inquiry during a crisis.2

Ultimately, these rules provide stability and shape power relations, making them essential to the functioning of any political system.12