ECON 205
Public Economics Fall 2020
Division II
This is not the current course catalog

This course examines the role of the government in a market economy. We consider three broad issues: under what conditions is government intervention in the economy appropriate? When merited what is the most effective form of intervention? What effects do government policies have on incentives and behavior? In addition to a theoretical perspective, we will discuss particular government spending programs in the United States, including Social Security, various types of publicly-provided insurance, spending on education, and public assistance for the poor. Finally, we will study how the government raises revenue through taxation. We will discuss the principles that guide tax design and consider the effects of the tax code on behavior. In the fall of 2020, special consideration will be given to policy responses to public health crises, including Covid-19.