what is tradeoff theory?

Answer 1

I'm assuming that you mean ' what is the theory behind trading off' in politics.

To trade off is to give something to get something.

For example.

Recently the Rs attempted to have a bill that increased the minimum wage (which they usually don't support) with the total removal of the estate tax (which they do support).

The Ds support the increase in the minimum wage, but not the estate tax removal. So they traded off by rejecting the entire bill.