Policy Experimentation in Committees: A Case against Veto Rights under Redistributive Constraints

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2021
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
Pages: 124-62

Authors (2)

Vincent Anesi (Université du Luxembourg) T. Renee Bowen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study optimal policy experimentation by a committee. We consider a dynamic bargaining game in which committee members choose either a risky reform or a safe alternative each period. When no redistribution is allowed, the unique equilibrium outcome is generically inefficient. When redistribution is allowed (even small amounts), there always exists an equilibrium that supports optimal experimentation for any voting rule without veto players. With veto players, however, optimal policy experimentation is possible only with a sufficient amount of redistribution. We conclude that veto rights are more of an obstacle to optimal policy experimentation than are the constraints on redistribution themselves.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:124-62
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24