Suchergebnisse

This paper revives Hume's idea that it is unlikely for sovereign governments to implement pure lump-sum taxation because lump-sum taxes are arbitrary. We phrase the problem as one of time-inconsistency of tax collection for a tax revenue maximizing Leviathan government. We demonstrate that while lump-sum taxation is more efficient than distortionary income tax in terms of the ex ante amount of tax revenue raised, honoring a lump-sum tax is less likely to be credible than honoring a distortionary income tax. We also extend the framework to understanding the relationship between expropriation risk & the lack of foreign direct investment. 4 Figures, 24 References. Adapted from the source document.

This paper explores an economic model that elucidates the formation of national borders & explains the cross-sectional variance in the size of nations around the world. According to the present social contract approach, risk averse agents try to get out of the "state of nature" & get together to form societies to reduce consumption uncertainty, but heterogeneity averse agents will not allow nations to become too large. The model relates the geometry of a nation with the geography of its border & predicts the empirical observation that countries with "coastline" borders are larger than "landlocked" countries. 2 Tables, 4 Figures, 1 Appendix, 22 References. Adapted from the source document.

The author asks if the establishment of democratically autonomous local community-based authorities (LCAs) in the UK would create intolerable geographic differences in public service provision. Main topics include the decline of local democracy in the UK & the trend toward a new local-central relationship with integrated government service (IGS). The article concludes that LCAs provide vital services & that there exist many unique local problems that must be solved at the community level. J. R. Callahan

Experts on learning for democracy come together to explore why and how the gap in civic competence should be bridged. They make the case for a more effective form of political education that can enable citizens to learn to exert their influence over their government in an informed and meaningful manner.

It is increasingly recognised that instead of relying on top-down commands or leaving individuals to their own devices, communities should be given a role in tackling challenges exacerbated by global crises. Written by a team of leading experts with in-depth knowledge and on-the-ground experience, this book sets out why and how people's lives can be positively transformed through diverse forms of community involvement. It critically explores examples from around the world of how communities can become more collaborative and resilient in dealing with the problems they face, and provides a valuable guide to what a holistic policy agenda for community-based transformation should encompass.

This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is needed to improve democracy and achieve positive social change across a range of policy areas and in varied national contexts.

In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Henry Tam explores what should be done to revive democracy, setting out in a clear and accessible manner nine key areas where reforms are necessary to ensure we can govern ourselves more effectively.