Political Institutions, State Capabilities and Public Policy: International Evidence

Carlos Scartascini, Ernesto Stein and Mariano Tommasi

No 1638, IDB Publications (Working Papers) from Inter-American Development Bank

Abstract: This paper introduces preliminary evidence from a cross-country database of policy characteristics and potential uses of that database. While most databases have emphasized either the content of policies (e.g., size of government deficits) or countries formal institutions (e.g., political regime, electoral system), the variables in this database reflect the policymaking capabilities of different polities. The paper attempts to explain these policy characteristics as depending on the workings of political institutions, using a logic emphasizing intertemporal political compromise. The paper also contrasts this logic with alternatives such as the veto players approach. The paper concludes by suggesting the use of these policy characteristics or state capabilities as explanatory variables for the effectiveness of public spending in various social areas.

Keywords: WP-661 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 D78 H10 H50 O10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008-12
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Working Paper: Political Institutions, State Capabilities and Public Policy - International Evidence (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:idb:brikps:1638

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