POSITIVE CONSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS - A SURVEY

The author distinguishes between normative and positive constitutional economics. Taking the observation that the normative branch of the ne w discipline is much better developed than its positive counterpart as a starting point, the available positive literature is surveyed never theless. The available evidence is arranged into four categories: (1) Constitutional rules and the procedures bringing them about, (2) const itutional rules as the result of preferences and restrictions, (3) con stitutional rules channeling constitutional change, and (4) the econom ic effects of constitutional rules. Additionally, various concepts of the constitution are presented, the tools suited for a positive theory of constitutional economics discussed, and precursors as well as rela ted research programs shortly described.