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Ökonomische Theorie der Verfassung

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  • Gebhard Kirchgässner

Abstract

In this paper the approach of Constitutional Economics is presented and some of its applications are shown. First, the concept of the original position (constitutional convention) with its informational restrictions and the unanimity rule are discussed. Next, the exchange paradigm which lies behind the whole approach and the role of the self-interest assumption are discussed. Then it is asked for the value judgments which have to be accepted whenever this approach is to be applied to problems of real constitutions. Finally, we show applications of this approach to problems of public debt, taxation, fiscal federalism as well as the tension between liberalism and democracy as organising principles of a modern society. In dieser Arbeit wird der Ansatz der Ökonomischen Theorie der Verfassung (Constitutional Economics) mit einigen seiner Anwendungsfelder vorgestellt. Zunächst wird das Konzept des Urzustandes (der verfassungsgebenden Versammlung bzw. der Ebene des Grundkonsenses) mit seinen Informationsbeschänkungen erläutert und die dort zur Anwendung kommende Einstimmigkeitsregel diskutiert. Danach wird auf das Tauschparadigma eingegangen, welches hinter diesem Ansatz steht, sowie auf die verwendete Motivationsannahme des Eigeninteresses. Im weiteren wird nach den Werturteilen gefragt, die akzeptiert werden müssen, wenn aus diesem Ansatz Vorschläge zur Lösung realer Probleme abgeleitet werden sollen. Schliesslich werden als Beispiele Anwendungen aufgezeigt: auf Probleme der öffentlichen Schuld, der Besteuerung, des fiskalischen Föderalismus sowie auf das Spannungsfeld zwischen Liberalismus und Demokratie als Organisationsprinzipien moderner Gesellschaften.

Suggested Citation

  • Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2004. "Ökonomische Theorie der Verfassung," University of St. Gallen Department of Economics working paper series 2004 2004-17, Department of Economics, University of St. Gallen.
  • Handle: RePEc:usg:dp2004:2004-17
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Constitutional Contractarianism; Original Position; Veil of Ignorance; Self-Interest; Value Judgments; Public Debt; Taxation; Fischal Federalism; Liberalism; Democracy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General

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