This paper formulates a simple mathematical framework for the selection of an optimum "relative unanimity” collective decision rule. The approach is first to identify the benefits of moving from a rule of simple majority towards a rule of full unanimity. Then, the costs of moving from simple...

This empirical note finds that nonwhite migration is positively and significantly affected by welfare levels and that welfare levels in turn are positively and significantly affected by nonwhite migration. Thus, this two stage least squares analysis of 1960-1970 net interstate migration lends...

Using quarterly data and dealing with the ex post real rates on three month U.S. Treasury bills and 20 year U.S. Treasury bonds, this empirical note has estimated an IS-LM based regression by 2SLS. The results indicate that the budget deficit raises the slope of the yield curve. Furthermore, to...

This theoretical note elaborates upon why it is a myth that YTM is viewed as only a promised but not really earned interest rate. It addresses some misconceptions in Shirnani and Wilbratte (2009) on what, between YTM and RCY, is a true rate of return of a coupon bond, why YTM is not just a...

This note attempts to further elaborate why it is a myth that YTM is viewed as only a promised but not really earned interest rate. It addresses some misconceptions regarding what, between YTM and RCY, is a true rate of return of a coupon bond, why YTM is NOT just a “fictitious mathematical...

In their seminal work, The Calculus of Consent (1962), Buchanan and Tullock develop a decision model which embodies fundamental relation­ships relevant to institutional choices. However, the Buchanan-Tullock model remains "general," thus inviting others to specify details and to develop...