Public Choice in Theory and Practice

Public Choice in Theory and Practice

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Neumärker

Bianca Blum and Matthew Bonick

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Department for Economic Policy and Constitutional Economic Theory

Schedule

Lectures: Bianca Blum and Matthew Bonick

E-mails:  matthew.bonick@vwl.uni-freiburg.de or bianca.blum@vwl.uni-freiburg.de

Modalities

• This course is designated for second-year students of the University College Freiburg (Bachelor of Arts and Liberal Sciences). It is an elective course.
• Recommended prerequisites: None.
• This module is entirely taught in English.
• 6 ECTS-points.
   

Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Neumärker
 

Downloads

Course Structure

Presentation Expectations

Time Table and Readings

Lecture:

Lecture 1

Lecture 2

Lecture 3

Lecture 4

Lecture 5&6

Lecture 7

Lecture 8

Outline and References

 Course Structure

I        Introduction

II      Foundation of Public Choice

1                    Basic Concepts

2                    Public Choice and the difference to Welfare economics

III     Origins of the State

1                    Reason for the Rules

2                    From Anarchy to the Social Contract

IV     Voting Rules, Institutional Structures and, their effects  

1                    Voting Rules: Unanimity vs Majoritarian

2                    Constitutional Structures and Outcomes

3                    Problems of Delegated Power (Classical Principle Agent)

3.1 Asymmetric Information

3.2 Rent Seeking

3.3 Voters Paradox

 V    Power, Institutions and Public Choice

VI    Other Factors in Public Choice

         1          Social Norms

         2.         Ethnic Fractionalization

Liturature

1)      "Public Choice III" by Dennis Mueller, 2^nd edition.

2)      All other literature will be assigned over the course of the semester.