The diversity of contributors seem to reach two over-arching conclusions. First, it is not rules per se, but rather the institutional environment that determines whether or not rules will be effective in regulating human behavior. Second, institutions that underpin smoothly functioning, highly prosperous societies are invariably based on providing strong incentives to individuals. Harnessing individuals' talents and abilities for the good of the many requires rewarding individual enterprise and limiting the role of the state to guaranteeing the safety of both life and private property.
While these may seem obvious truths, they have implications for virtually all policy issues, ranging from re-distribution (you must create wealth before you can distribute it), through environmental protection (nothing protects the environment like giving individuals property rights over it) to good government (if government favors can create wealth, resources will be wasted in currying such favors). 'Liberal' academics, whose prescriptions invariably call for government intervention in the economy seem particularly blind to these truths.
As Mueller points out, all constitutions contain fine language - even the Soviet constitution sounded quite admirable - but it is the underlying institutions that determine whether they will matter and be a force for good, or merely serve a decorative function. Munger suggests that passing such virtuous institutions from generation to generation are the key to healthy and prosperous societies. This is where ideology can play a role.
Ultimately, societies must harness the spirit of the individual if they are to succeed in the long run. Rowley points out that the role of the state in guaranteeing individual property rights, as recommended by John Locke, will go a long way towards achieving such individual commitment. On the other hand, excessive state intervention as recommended by Thomas Hobbes, will lead to the stifling of individualism and with it the withering of incentives, creativity, prosperity and human well-being.