In language that is understandable to non-economists, this work introduces readers to the interrelationship of politics and economics in America - how economics influences public policy and how public policy can impact the economy. Readers learn how the U.S. economy works (domestically and in its global connectedness), how to measure economic performance, how government intervenes in the market to influence economic performance and redistribute resources, and how policymakers act to protect the public interest in an economic system based on private interests. The author provides historical background for contemporary problems. He explains basic economic and policymaking concepts in an issue-relevant context, with concrete examples inspired by ongoing policy debates in Washington regarding production and employment, commodity prices, Social Security and Medicare, budget deficits, national debt, trade deficits, and more.

This comprehensive book describes and analyzes the substance and politics of public budgeting at the national, state, and local levels of government. In doing so, it takes a comparative approach, illustrating the distinctiveness of budgeting at each level, as well as highlighting the features common to all three. A unifying focus is the extent to which budgetary decision makers use the budget as a central vehicle to advance their policy preferences. This fully updated sixth edition provides an extensive and thorough analysis of the causes of the Great Recession, its economic consequences, and the policy responses which pushed the boundaries of conventional monetary and fiscal policy. Also new to this edition is a chapter on the intergovernmental dimensions of public budgeting, along with boxed features highlighting hands-on vignettes of contemporary practical challenges facing budget makers at the different levels of government.

This comprehensive book describes and analyzes the substance and politics of public budgeting at the national, state, and local levels of government. In doing so, it takes a comparative approach, illustrating the distinctiveness of budgeting at each level, as well as highlighting the features common to all three. A unifying focus is the extent to which budgetary decision makers use the budget as a central vehicle to advance their policy preferences. This fully updated sixth edition provides an extensive and thorough analysis of the causes of the Great Recession, its economic consequences, and the policy responses which pushed the boundaries of conventional monetary and fiscal policy. Also new to this edition is a chapter on the intergovernmental dimensions of public budgeting, along with boxed features highlighting hands-on vignettes of contemporary practical challenges facing budget makers at the different levels of government.