This paper examines the rationale for the imposition of fiscal rules as a way to reduce budgetary imbalances. It presents theoretical arguments for the existence of a quot;fiscal deficit biasquot; and the empirical evidence on the economic, political and institutional factors leading to this...

Public budgeting in perspective -- Budgetary decision making -- Budget organization and structure -- Economics and politics -- Taxing and spending -- National budgeting -- Budgeting in the states -- Budgeting in local units of government -- Budget execution and financial management -- Patterns...

Public budgeting in perspective -- Budgetary decision making -- Budget organization and structure -- Economics and politics -- Taxing and spending -- National budgeting -- Budgeting in the states -- Budgeting in local units of government -- Fiscal federalism and intergovernmental fiscal...