Possible policy implications of the New Institutional Economics are dealt with. Before spelling them out, the core questions of this research program as well as its main assumptions and hypotheses are described. Since a familiar reproach toward the New Institutional Economics is its lack of...

Possible policy implications of the New Institutional Economics are dealt with. Before spelling them out, the core questions of this research program as well as its main assumptions and hypotheses are described. Since a familiar reproach toward the New Institutional Economics is its lack of...

This paper is an attempt to analyze bonds and their relevance within the confines of economics. They are discussed as both exogenous and endogenous variables. More specifically, the bonds of democratic politics are compared with those of non-democratic politics. It is argued that only those...

Elected politicians can choose to decide themselves or to delegate. Delegation can occur in the constitutional stage, but is most common in the post-constitutional stage. Furthermore, domestic delegation can be distinguished from international delegation. The authors propose to analyze both...

Elected politicians can choose to decide themselves or to delegate competence. Delegation can occur in the constitutional stage, but is most common in the post-constitutional stage. Furthermore, domestic delegation can be distinguished from international delegation. The authors propose to...

Time and again, discussions on “just” or “fair” constitutional rules are structured around the veil of ignorance (Rawls) or uncertainty (Buchanan). But how useful has this tool really been for identifying a set of rules large groups could agree to unanimously? Are thicker veils really...

This paper studies the factors driving changes in judicial independence (JI) as incorporated in constitutions. Two indicators of constitutionally safeguarded JI are constructed. Variations in these indicators are identified based on changes in the constitutions of as many as 100 countries that...

Among economists, the view that precisely defined and reliably enforced property rights are generally conducive to economic growth has been quasi-unanimous. But recently, some authors have argued that the relationship is more complex than previously acknowledged: property rights reforms might,...

The pros and cons of stricter disclosure rules for parliamentarians are hotly debated. Some argue that disclosure rules for parliamentarians increase transparency of the legislative branch, leading to lower levels of rent-seeking and corruption, increased citizen trust in parliament, and better...

We provide experimental evidence on the emergence of redistributive societies. Individuals first vote on redistribution by feet and then learn their productivity and invest. We vary the individuals' information about their productivities at the time when they choose a distribution rule and find...