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Comparative Politics and Public Finance

Author

Listed:
  • Persson, Torsten

    (Institute for International Economic Studies, Stockholm University)

  • Roland , Gérard

    (University of Brussels)

  • Tabellini, Guido

    (Bocconi University)

Abstract

We present a model of electoral accountability to compare the public finance outcomes under a presidential-congressional and a parliamentary system. In a presidential-congressional system, contrary to a parliamentary system, there are no endogenous incentives for legislative cohesion, but this allows for a clearer separation of powers. These features lead to clear differences in the public finance performance of the two systems. A Parliamentary system has redistribution towards a majority, less underprovision of public goods, more waste and a higher burden of taxation, whereas a presidential-congressional system has redistribution towards a minority, more underprovision of public goods, but less waste and a smaller size of government.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Persson, Torsten & Roland , Gérard & Tabellini, Guido, 1997. "Comparative Politics and Public Finance," Seminar Papers 633, Stockholm University, Institute for International Economic Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iiessp:0633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    normative public finance;

    JEL classification:

    • H00 - Public Economics - - General - - - General

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