This paper focuses on the source of path dependency in institutions. Within a bargaining theory of reform, the domain of bargaining and number of bargains reached determine the path of institutional change. The French and British governments negotiated with their various African independence...

This paper analyzes a source of path dependency in institutions. Within a bargaining theory of reform, the starting point, domain of bargaining, and number of bargains reached determine the path of institutional change. We test this theory by focusing on the independence constitutions of Africa...