The book explores the concept of limiting governmental power to tax, presenting a framework for analyzing and assessing fiscal systems. It delves into the implications of taxation on society and the economy, encouraging readers to consider the balance between government revenue needs and individual rights. Through this examination, the authors aim to provoke thought on the effectiveness and fairness of current tax policies.
Societies function on the basis of rules. These rules, rather like the rules of the road, coordinate the activities of individuals who have a variety of goals and purposes. Whether the rules work well or ill, and how they can be made to work better, is a matter of major concern. Appropriately interpreted, the working of social rules is also the central subject matter of modern political economy. This book is about rules - what they are, how they work, and how they can be properly analysed. The authors' objective is to understand the workings of alternative political institutions so that choices among such institutions (rules) can be more fully informed. Thus, broadly defined, the methodology of constitutional political economy is the subject matter of The Reason of Rules. The authors have examined how rules for political order work, how such rules might be chosen, and how normative criteria for such choices might be established.
Focusing on the psychology of esteem, this groundbreaking work re-evaluates classic theories to highlight their impact on the economy. The authors propose innovative approaches to reshape the economy of esteem, aiming to enhance social outcomes. By offering fresh perspectives on societal functioning, the book encourages readers to reconsider how economic and social systems can be improved for the benefit of all.
Exploring the nature of rules, this book delves into their function and significance in various contexts. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how rules operate and the frameworks used to understand them. Through clear explanations, it aims to enhance the reader's ability to critically assess and apply rules in different scenarios, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the mechanics of regulation and governance.
The book presents a critical examination of the dominant theories surrounding voting behavior, questioning their foundational assumptions. It aims to provoke thought and discussion by presenting alternative perspectives and insights, encouraging readers to rethink established beliefs about how and why individuals participate in elections. Through its analysis, it seeks to contribute significantly to the understanding of electoral dynamics and the factors influencing voter decisions.
Sketches out a methodological and analytical framework for the establishment of rules. This book points out that the consideration of rules has its roots in classical economics and has been hinted at in the work of some contemporary economists.
This book contains a range of essays on topics in the emerging field of "constitutional political economy." This field of enquiry is strongly associated with the name of James M. Buchanan whose research program has been the point of departure for this field. The essays are a selection of those written by colleagues and researchers in the field to honor Buchanan on the occasion of his 80th birthday. They cover a wide range of topics but fall primarily into two sets: one set dealing with methodological aspects of the c.p.e. approach; the other dealing with specific applications in a variety of policy areas, ranging from "economic transformation" to monetary policy regimes to health care. One particular issue in the methodological area relates to the model of motivation used - and more especially, the role of "morality" in economic and political behavior. The five essays on this topic make up one of the sections of the book, and justify reference to the issue in the volume's title.
