Political Institutions, State Capabilities and Public Policy: International Evidence

This paper introduces preliminary evidence from a cross-country database of policy characteristics and potential uses of that database. While most databases have emphasized either the content of policies (e.g., size of government deficits) or countries formal institutions (e.g., political regime, electoral system), the variables in this database reflect the policymaking capabilities of different polities. The paper attempts to explain these policy characteristics as depending on the workings of political institutions, using a logic emphasizing intertemporal political compromise. The paper also contrasts this logic with alternatives such as the veto players approach. The paper concludes by suggesting the use of these policy characteristics or state capabilities as explanatory variables for the effectiveness of public spending in various social areas.

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Inter-American Development Bank
Other Authors:	Carlos Scartascini
Format:	Working Papers biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Inter-American Development Bank
Subjects:	Public Administration, Public Utility, D72 - Political Processes: Rent-Seeking Lobbying Elections Legislatures and Voting Behavior, D78 - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation, H10 - Structure and Scope of Government: General, H50 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies: General, O10 - Economic Development: General, WP-661,
Online Access:	http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0010903 https://publications.iadb.org/en/political-institutions-state-capabilities-and-public-policy-international-evidence
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