Discussion paper

DP6143 Political Institutions and Economic Growth

We analyze the impact of micro-founded political institutions on economic growth in an overlapping-generations economy, where individuals differ in preferences over a public good (as well as in age). Labour and capital taxes finance the public good and a public input. The benchmark institution is a parliament, where all decisions are taken. Party entry, parliamentary composition, coalition formation, and bargaining are endogenous. We compare this constitution to delegation of decision-making, where a spending minister (elected in parliament or appointed by the largest party). Delegation of decision-making tends to yield lower growth, mainly due to the occurrence of production inefficiency.

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Citation

Renström, T and L Marsiliani (2007), ‘DP6143 Political Institutions and Economic Growth‘, CEPR Discussion Paper No. 6143. CEPR Press, Paris & London. https://cepr.org/publications/dp6143