Commonality of Written Constitutions on Pirate Ships (17th-18th Centuries)

Informal Rules and Social Enforcement on Pirate Ships

Analysis of a Pirate Ship's Incentive Structure

On a pirate ship, a new rule is proposed: 'Any crew member who is the first to spot a potential prize ship will receive the first choice of any single item from the captured loot, before the general division of spoils.' From an economic perspective, which statement best evaluates the primary function of this rule within the ship's institutional framework?

Functions of Pirate Institutions

Match each example of a rule that might be found on a pirate ship to the primary economic function it serves within the ship's 'rules of the game'.

Critique of Pirate Governance Models

A rule on a pirate ship stating 'No crew member may draw a weapon on another while aboard the ship' is primarily designed to function as a positive incentive for cooperation.

Designing a Pirate Constitution

Diagnosing Institutional Failure on a Pirate Ship

The primary purpose of the 'rules of the game' on a pirate ship, such as written articles, was to maximize the captain's authority and control over the crew's actions and share of the loot.

Resolving Institutional Ambiguity on a Pirate Ship

Safety and Conduct Regulations on the Royal Rover (Article IV)

Incentive Pay for Lookouts on Pirate Ships