Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/24130 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 05-39
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
Abstract: 
This paper examines the factors determining vertical government structures. An empirical analysis for a panel of OECD countries indicates that apart from preferences, economies of scale, and other factors, institutions explain cross-national differences in the degree of fiscal decentralization. Accounting for taxing powers of subnational governments, the evidence strongly supports the collusion hypothesis according to which delegation of decision-making concerning the assignment of powers and national legislation to subnational representatives leads to increased tax centralization, as compared to direct participation of the citizens of the subnational entities. On the other hand, direct democracy at the national level is associated with higher centralization.
Subjects: 
Determinants of Decentralization
Decision-making Institutions
Decentralization Theorem
Collusion Hypothesis
JEL: 
H72
H71
H77
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
486.44 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.