Politics & Government
The Political Philosophy of Institutional Design and Constitutional Choice
Quick fact
The U.S. Constitution was designed with a deep concern for self-interested politicians, leading to a system of separation of powers and checks and balances. The framers famously relied on 'ambition to counteract ambition,' assuming that each branch would seek its own power, thereby preventing any one from dominating.
Why this is interesting
We often take constitutions for granted, but imagine trying to write the rules for a new society from scratch. How do you design a government that is strong enough to rule, yet weak enough to leave you free?