Skip to main content

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

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

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press