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Mandatory Versus Discretionary Spending: the Status Quo Effect

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  • T. Renee Bowen
  • Ying Chen
  • H�lya Eraslan

Abstract

Do mandatory spending programs such as Medicare improve efficiency? We analyze a model with two parties allocating a fixed budget to a public good and private transfers each period over an infinite horizon. We compare two institutions that differ in whether public good spending is discretionary or mandatory. We model mandatory spending as an endogenous status quo since it is enacted by law and remains in effect until changed. Mandatory programs result in higher public good spending; furthermore, they ex ante Pareto dominate discretionary programs when parties are patient, persistence of power is low, and polarization is low.

Suggested Citation

  • T. Renee Bowen & Ying Chen & H�lya Eraslan, 2012. "Mandatory Versus Discretionary Spending: the Status Quo Effect," Economics Working Paper Archive 603, The Johns Hopkins University,Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:jhu:papers:603
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems

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