3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper Division
The examination and analysis of public finance practices and problems in the federal fiscal system. Government activities that involve spending and taxation are analyzed applying basic principles of economics. Topics include public education, social security, healthcare, environment and tax systems. State and local government issues are also addressed.
Learning Outcomes1Explain how the provision of government goods and services through political institutions differs from market provision of goods and services.
2Examine and analyze taxes and subsidies with and without market failure.
3Examine and analyze various types of government expenditures on public education, health care, social security, income assistance, unemployment compensation, etc.
4Explain how cost-benefit analysis can be used to help government choose among alternative investment projects.
5Examine and analyze the impact of various types of taxes on the economy.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.