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Fiscal Capacity and Executive Constraints in Early Modern Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Henriques, António
  • Karaman, Kivanc
  • Palma, Nuno

Abstract

According to the prevailing view of Europe’s political history, constrained government and state capacity developed in tandem. In this study, we reevaluate this perspective by constructing new historical indices for executive constraints and fiscal capacity. Our find-ings challenge the presumed connection, illustrating that high-capacity states existed un-der unconstrained government, and low-capacity states existed under constrained re-gimes. We also identify what made England historically distinctive: its political system stood out for combining constrained government with high fiscal capacity. This rare com-bination helps explain the eventual take-off of modern economic growth in England.

Suggested Citation

  • Henriques, António & Karaman, Kivanc & Palma, Nuno, 2025. "Fiscal Capacity and Executive Constraints in Early Modern Europe," CEPR Discussion Papers 20132, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20132
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP20132
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • N13 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O23 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Development
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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