OPTIMAL CHECKS AND BALANCES UNDER POLICY UNCERTAINTY

Political checks and balances are debated desiderata in the evaluation of democratic systems. We suggest a framework where pros cons are, respectively, reduction type-I errors increase type-II policy decision making. less desirable for intermediate levels competence political class when accountability is high. In areas effects reforms harder to evaluate low, always desirable. Positive constitutional design reveals possibility traps, with politicians choosing regimes.