Despite pressures for reducing the overall spending of the federal government, some policymakers and analysts have considered increasing the funding for particular areas that might be especially important to the long-term growth of the economy. Increases have been proposed in spending for highways and other types of physical infrastructure, for…

Examines the concept of "free riders," those who enjoy the benefits of a public good without contributing to the costs of providing it. Reviews classroom experiments on the free rider topic and describes a free rider experiment using an undergraduate class of 73 students. (CFR)

Presents the central features of an economic theory of social equilibrium based on the theory of distributive equilibrium. Uses the situation in Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s to test the validity of the theory. Argues that excessive inequality cripples sustained growth and democratic movements. (MJP)