Do Deficits Matter?

by Shaviro, Daniel N.

• ISBN13: 9780226751122
• ISBN10: 0226751120
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-05-01
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

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

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Reasons for the Perceived Importance of Budget Deficits

The Debate among Economists from the 1770s through the 1970s

The Modern Deficit Debate

Tax Lag and Generational Equity

Macroeconomic Issues Raised by Tax Lag and Budget Deficits

Issues of Government Size and Structure

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.