How does the rule of law affect growth? The rule of law 1. contributes positively to growth because people can feel secure in their possessions and can rely on others' promises.2. is at most a secondary contributor to growth. Informal agreements can be just as effective at promoting trust and are sometimes more flexible than rigid laws. 3. contributes negatively to growth because it can be used to keep useful resources away from the most productive members of society. 4. contributes positively to growth because cooperation requires uniform standards of behavior. 5. contributes negatively to growth because compliance with laws is costly and stifles otherwise productive ventures.