to the range of political ideas acceptable  to the mainstream population at a given  

time. It's named after Joseph P. Overton  of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy,  

who claimed that an idea's political viability  depends mainly on whether it falls within this  

range rather than on politicians' individual  preferences. The Overton Window can move or expand  

over time as societal values and norms evolve.  Concepts that were once considered unthinkable  

can shift into the realm of acceptability, and  those that were previously acceptable can become  

unthinkable. The shift of the Overton Window  can be influenced by a variety of factors,  

including public opinion, cultural  shifts, changes in demographics,  

and even technological advancement. Overall, the  Overton Window is a useful tool for understanding  

how public policy, societal norms, and  political discourse can change over time.