Smithian Constitutions Drive Development

Embedding classical liberal economic rights (property, free trade, protection against arbitrary state enrichment) into constitutional law can act as a practical accelerator for rapid economic catch‑up. The Argentine case shows a mid‑19th‑century constitutional design can convert theory (Smith) into long‑run growth when paired with openness and rule‑of‑law enforcement. — If true, it implies that constitutional design — not only incremental policy reforms — can be a lever for development, relevant to modern statebuilders and reformers crafting economic constitutions.