Governance | Econofact

Voting and Income

By Randall Akee·February 7, 2019
University of California, Los Angeles

The Issue:

Voter turnout in the United States is vastly unequal: richer people are more likely to vote than poorer people. If the poor are less likely to vote then they have a lower probability of having their interests and preferences reflected in public policy. While the association between higher family incomes

Unintended Consequences: Lessons From an Anti-Fraud Reform

By Raymond Fisman·June 1, 2017
Boston University

The Issue:

When individuals abuse government programs, governments often respond with reforms that involve stricter monitoring or punishments for violators. This is viewed as a way of improving program effectiveness and reducing costs. But these reforms can have unintended consequences that could limit the efficacy ...
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Leaning on The Fed

By Michael Klein·April 13, 2017
Fletcher School, Tufts University

The Issue:

The Federal Reserve walks a tight balance between maintaining low unemployment and preventing the economy from heating up and unleashing inflation. Its decisions impact groups differently: raising interest rates can be painful for borrowers and businesses seeking to invest and expand; lowering them can ...
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Rules, Regulations, and Social Benefits

By Sandra Black·March 8, 2017
University of Texas, Austin

The Issue:

Over 90 regulations have been delayed, suspended or reversed by federal agencies and the Republican-controlled Congress since President Trump took office. The new administration has undertaken to undo many of the rules and regulations put in place under the Obama administration. And, if the direction of ...
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Business Success Versus Government Success

By Raymond Fisman·February 7, 2017
Boston University

The Issue:

There is a long history of trying to make government more efficient. At the beginning of his presidency, Bill Clinton charged his vice president, Al Gore, with heading a six-month “National Performance Review to “make the entire federal government less expensive and more efficient.” More recently, ...
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The Corrosion from Corruption

By Raymond Fisman·February 2, 2017
Boston University

The Issue:

The concern that people or corporations might try to influence those in power to pursue private goals at the expense of the public good crosses party lines. President Trump's calls to "Drain the Swamp" resonated with many of his supporters during the presidential election. Similarly, critics of the new administration ...
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