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Governments and Constitutions

In: The Economic Foundations of Government

Author

Listed:
  • Randall G. Holcombe

    (Florida State University)

Abstract

The previous chapter developed a theory of rights that showed how, in an exchange setting, people would find it in their interest to claim rights and how others would find it in their interests to observe them. A structure of rights and of social interaction could thereby arise purely as a result of exchange. Even in the most primitive of societies, individual exchange accounts for only a small fraction of the rights that people can exercise. Most rights are dictated by social and governmental institutions that specify which people are entitled to what rights. These institutions are the outcome of an exchange process like that described in the previous chapter. This chapter extends the exchange model to describe how governments are established, how the rights of various individuals are determined, and how constitutions are developed as an integral part of any government.

Suggested Citation

  • Randall G. Holcombe, 1994. "Governments and Constitutions," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Economic Foundations of Government, chapter 3, pages 32-53, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-349-13230-0_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-13230-0_3
    as

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