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Guarding the Guardians

Author

Listed:
  • Bernardo Guimaraes
  • Kevin D. Sheedy

Abstract

Good government requires some restraints on the powerful, but how can those be impose if there is no-one above them? This paper studies the equilibrium allocation of power and resources established by self-interested incumbents under the threat of rebellions from inside and outside the group in power. Commitment to uphold individuals' rights can only be achieved if power is not as concentrated as incumbents would like it to be, ex post. Power sharing endogenously enables incumbents to commit to otherwise time-inconsistent laws by ensuring more people receive rents under the status quo, and thus want to defend it.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Bernardo Guimaraes & Kevin D. Sheedy, 2017. "Guarding the Guardians," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(606), pages 2441-2477, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:econjl:v:127:y:2017:i:606:p:2441-2477
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/ecoj.2017.127.issue-606
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    Cited by:

    1. Verdier, Thierry & Bisin, Alberto, 2017. "On the Joint Evolution of Culture and Institutions," CEPR Discussion Papers 12000, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
    2. Guimaraes, Bernardo & Sheedy, Kevin D., 2024. "Institutional specialization," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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