Polycentric Sovereignty: The Medieval Constitution, Governance Quality, and the Wealth of Nations
Alexander William Salter|Andrew T. Young
Objective It is widely accepted that good institutions caused modern economic prosperity. But what institutions? In this article we challenge recent explanations favor state capacity, pointing instead to the polycentric governance structures of medieval Europe. Methods We develop a novel theory constitutions, which call “polycentric sovereignty,” based on political property rights. use reinterpret historical evidence concerning relationship between patrimony and governance. Results Our analysis suggests de facto balance power among “owners realm” in Europe are crucial explaining rise pro‐growth institutions, especially those respect uphold rule law. Conclusion Medieval set background conditions for cannot understand bounty modernity without reference received political‐economic traditions from
Social Science Quarterly