The Committee on Research of the American Political Science Association was appointed by President William Anderson in 1942. A considerable number of sessions were held during 1942 and 1943 in Washington under the chairmanship of Ernest S. Griffith. Four different regions of research were assigned for more specific exploration through panels to four “conveners,” namely, International Relations (Walter R. Sharp, later Phillips Bradley); Political Theory (Benjamin Lippincott, later Francis G. Wilson); Public Law (Carl B. Swisher); Comparative Government (Karl Loewenstein).

In developing the panel on comparative government, the convener sent various circular letters and detailed questionnaires to some twenty-five members of the profession who, by their past performance, were believed to entertain active interest in the subject-matter. The original plan of having the group function as a round-table at the annual meeting of the Association in 1942 became a casualty of the war. But the sponsors were not easily discouraged, even though war duties limited their own and the participants' efforts. After an epistolary exchange of opinion extending over almost a year, a panel meeting was held in Washington on April 17 and 18, 1943, attended by twelve members coming from outside and six resident in Washington.