Political interest varies greatly among citizens, with traditional explanations focusing on either personality traits or situational factors like the political environment. This paper bridges these two perspectives by showing how a stable motivation for engaging with new ideas—often tied to personality differences—interacts dynamically with political circumstances. When faced with novel events such as election campaigns, individuals motivated by novelty show increased interest in politics. Even during routine periods, exposure to unexpected developments can spark engagement among those predisposed to it. This dual-process model clarifies how political interest can be stable across time yet responsive to context. It offers a new lens for understanding disparities in democratic participation and provides insights into cultivating political engagement.
