The aim of this study is to empirically assess the existence of the BARS curve (Barro, Armey, Rahn, and Scully), as well as the relationship between public expenditure and decentralization, for Italian regions in the 1997-2009 period. Using panel data methodologies, we inspect the nexus between...

Early in their formation, modern nation-states face internal conflicts that impede their economic development. This paper examines the role of national identity in helping modern states overcome such conflicts to provide public goods and grow. We develop a model in which the population can...

Living in a democratic society has been internationally recognized as a basic human right. While most of the literature tries to identify the effect of democracy on economic prosperity, little work has been done to understand the determinants of economic growth under democracy. This paper...

An Abuse-of-Crisis Prevention Act to reaffirm boundaries of politicians and the legislation they can pass has become necessary to the survival of limited government, given the routine “flash policy” responses to crises - including the 2008 financial crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. Excessive...

Most of America’s wealth has not been created yet. But to fulfill the nation's potential, recognizing the limitations of today's dominant politically driven research and development approach compared to what capital markets and economic liberalization can achieve is vital. Most politicians...

Proposed changes to the conduct of Administrative State like those embodied in the changes proposed by the Office of Management and Budget to "Circular A-4" guidance on Regulatory Review accentuate a conflict of visions over the size and scope of government and its role in society; over...

The last step cannot be first; Congress, to the extent its substantial inquiry, oversight and appropriations authorities allow, should not permit a White House Office of Management and Budget "Circular A-4" rewrite of Regulatory Impact Analysis guidance to proceed without forcing OMB and OIRA to...

Early in their formation, modern nation-states face internal conflicts that impede their economic development. This paper examines the role of national identity in helping modern states overcome such conflicts to provide public goods and grow. We develop a model in which the population can...

Most studies find that larger government is associated with slower long-run growth. However, which elements of government intervention drive the result and if the conclusion applies to all political regimes remains an open question, which this paper addresses. The findings indicate that...

The bipartisan 1996 Congressional Review Act requires agencies to submit rules and guidance documents to both houses of Congress and to the Government Accountability Office, to provide Congress opportunity to disapprove them before they become effective. Addional provisions apply to major...