1. Today’s Topics Constitutions and Economic Reform 1.Concluding executive institutional design. 2.Modes of constitution-making. 3.Best time for a constitution? 4.Reasons for real-life constitutional choices. 5.Group discussion activity. 6.Risks for democracy during economic reforms.

2. Conclusion: Designing Executive Institutions There are potential dangers in presidential institutions, but also ways of varying presidential power. View of ideal institutions depends on values considered important (effectiveness vs. limited powers?).

3. Constitution-Making

4. What is a constitution? 1.Often a set of specific laws collectively referred to as the constitution. 2.Deemed more fundamental than other laws. 3.Typically more difficult to change than regular legislation.

5. Institutional conventions may be written or unwritten Unwritten constitution: –Great Britain. Unwritten procedures: –Canada: Cabinet not included in constitution.

6. Modes of constitution-making Autocratically: handed down unilaterally by a leader (e.g. Napoleon’s or Lenin’s) Democratically: negotiated by elected assembly (e.g. South Africa, Poland)

7. Timing of constitutions: Best time to adopt a new constitution?

8. Dilemma of constitution-making: (Jon Elster) Constitutions should be adopted in calm conditions, since intended to last through the ages. But time when a new constitution is needed is typically a time of great anxiety and chaos.

9. How do real-life political actors choose institutions?

10. Theories on how institutions chosen: 1.Historical legacy. Strong leader tradition. Particular institutions.

11. Theories on how institutions chosen: 2.Preferences of strongest actors (Geddes/ Elster). Clear strongest party  plurality & presidential system. Constitution drafted by legislature  strong legislative powers.

12. Theories on how institutions chosen: 3.Concern about key constituencies. United States South Africa

13. Theories on how institutions chosen: 4.Mimicking foreign constitutions. Hungary Many new constitutions copy established democratic constitutions.

14. Institutions tend to become “sticky” once adopted. (Geddes)

15. Small-Group Discussion: Designing Institutions Iraq, South Africa, Russia groups. 1.Would you have a presidential or parliamentary executive? Mechanisms for balancing powers? 2.What would the electoral system be for electing legislative and executive leaders? 3.What are your reasons for choosing these institutions?

16. Democratization & Economic Reform

17. Dangers for democratic regime Economic deterioration may erode people’s attachment to democracy. Extremist parties may gain power. Growth of voter apathy. Danger of coups.

18. Dangers for democratic regime Leaders may seek to “ram through” reforms to break political logjams. Strong presidency or multiparty parliament preferable?

19. Common issues of conflict and controversy 1.Role of the state in economic development. 2.Distributional consequences of reform (who gets what?). 3.Government accountability.