Do Deficits Matter?
9780226751139
9780226751153
Do Deficits Matter?
Do deficits matter? Yes and no, says Daniel Shaviro in this political and economic study. Yes, because fiscal policy affects generational distribution, national saving, and the level of government spending. And no, because the deficit is an inaccurate measure with little economic content. This book provides an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to know exactly what is at stake for Americans in this ongoing debate.
"[An] excellent, comprehensive, and illuminating book. Its analysis, deftly integrating considerations of economics, law, politics, and philosophy, brings the issues of ’balanced budgets,’ national saving, and intergenerational equity out of the area of religious crusades and into an arena of reason. . . . A magnificent, judicious, and balanced treatment. It should be read and studied not just by specialists in fiscal policy but by all those in the economic and political community."—Robert Eisner, Journal of Economic Literature
"Shaviro’s history, economics, and political analysis are right on the mark. For all readers."—Library Journal
"[An] excellent, comprehensive, and illuminating book. Its analysis, deftly integrating considerations of economics, law, politics, and philosophy, brings the issues of ’balanced budgets,’ national saving, and intergenerational equity out of the area of religious crusades and into an arena of reason. . . . A magnificent, judicious, and balanced treatment. It should be read and studied not just by specialists in fiscal policy but by all those in the economic and political community."—Robert Eisner, Journal of Economic Literature
"Shaviro’s history, economics, and political analysis are right on the mark. For all readers."—Library Journal
Read the introduction.
345 pages | 3 tables | 6 x 9 | © 1997
Economics and Business: Economics--Government Finance
Political Science: Public Policy
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. Reasons for the Perceived Importance of Budget Deficits
3. The Debate among Economists from the 1770s through the 1970s
4. The Modern Deficit Debate
5. Tax Lag and Generational Equity
6. Macroeconomic Issues Raised by Tax Lag and Budget Deficits
7. Issues of Government Size and Structure
8. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
1. Introduction
2. Reasons for the Perceived Importance of Budget Deficits
3. The Debate among Economists from the 1770s through the 1970s
4. The Modern Deficit Debate
5. Tax Lag and Generational Equity
6. Macroeconomic Issues Raised by Tax Lag and Budget Deficits
7. Issues of Government Size and Structure
8. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
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