An examination of the economic role of the public sector in the United States. Some of the general questions addressed include: When do markets fail to bring about desirable outcomes in the absence of government intervention? Under what circumstances can governmental action improve economic outcomes? What are the main features and economic effects of current government tax and expenditure programs? By what principles should reform of these programs be guided? This course is not be offered in 2010-2011.
Prerequisites: Economics 291 and Economics 253 or consent of instructor.
