Popular author and seasoned economist Dr. David Hyman delivers a solid economics-oriented approach to public finance and public policy. The 11th edition of PUBLIC FINANCE thoroughly illustrates the role government plays in the economy and explains how and why the public sector makes decisions. Packed with timely, real-world examples, PUBLIC FINANCE sparks lively discussion and debate with its coverage of such hot topics as national defense and homeland security, pollution rights, Social Security reform, federal tax reform, and the Iraq war. In addition, it includes numerous study tools and exercises to help students sharpen their economic acumen.PART I: THE ECONOMIC BASIS FOR GOVERNMENTACTIVITY. 1. Individuals and Government. 2. Efficiency, Markets, and Governments. 3. Externalities and Government Policy. 4. Public Goods. 5. Public Choice and the Political Process. PART II: GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES AND POLICYIN THE UNITED STATES: SELECTED ISSUES. 6. Cost-Benefit Analysis and Government Investments. 7. Government Subsidies and Income Support for the Poor. 8. Social Security and Social Insurance. 9. Government and Health Care. PART III: FINANCING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES. 10. Introduction to Government Finance. 11. Taxation, Prices, Efficiency, and the Distribution of Income. 12. Budget Balance and Government Debt. PART IV: TAXATION: THEORY AND STRUCTURE. 13. The Theory of Income Taxation. 14. Taxation of Personal Income in the United States. 15. Taxation of Corporate Income. 16. Taxes on Consumption and Sales. 17. Taxes on Wealth, Property, and Estates. PART V: STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE. 18. Fiscal Federalism and State and Local Government Finance. Glossary. Name Index. Subject Index.