The Economic Foundations of Government

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiv

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 1-10

3. The Economic Theory of Rights

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 11-31

4. Governments and Constitutions

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 32-53

5. A Model of Rights and Government

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 54-71

6. The Distinction between Clubs and Governments

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 72-91

7. Government as Monopolist

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 92-109

8. Institutions and Exchange

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 110-127

9. Constitutional Evolution

   • Randall G. Holcombe

   Pages 128-141

10. Competition in Politics

    • Randall G. Holcombe

    Pages 142-154

11. The Concept of Agreement

    • Randall G. Holcombe

    Pages 155-179

12. Positive and Normative Theories of Government

    • Randall G. Holcombe

    Pages 180-195

13. Political Ethics and Public Policy

    • Randall G. Holcombe

    Pages 196-209

14. Conclusion

    • Randall G. Holcombe

    Pages 210-223

15. Back Matter

    Pages 224-273

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Government is analysed as the product of exchange among individuals who differ in their bargaining power. This approach shows why individuals agree to political institutions that give their governments extensive power, and why even the most powerful government benefits from constitutional rules constraining the government's power. This foundation is used to examine a wide range of government activities, including its protection of rights, its military activities, and democratic political institutions.

• constitution
• economic theory
• government
• Institution
• Policy

• Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA

  Randall G. Holcombe

Policies and ethics