Assignment: What's the theory? What's the reality?
The specifics of U.S. monetary and fiscal policy change constantly. But some of the debate about what monetary or fiscal policy is appropriate at a moment in time results from differences in political philosophy. Some people believe government intervention often can improve things-they have a "hands on" bias. Some people believe government intervention most often makes things worse-they have a "hands off" bias. Here are the web sites to four organizations, two at the "hands on" end of the spectrum and two at the "hands off" end.
For hands on go to United for a Fair Economy Or, the Economic Policy Institute
For hands off go to the Cato Institute Or, the American Enterprise Institute
Visit the web sites and use them to answer the following questions:
1. What is the rationale for a "hands on" perspective as stated in the "about" page of the first two web sites?
2. Identify two policies that call for hands on intervention. (Go back to the home page for each organization to explore the policies they advocate.)
3. What is the rationale for a "hands off" perspective as stated in the "about" page of the second two web sites?
4. Identify two policies that call for hands off. (Go back to the home page for each organization to explore the policies they advocate.)
5. Pick one policy from 2) and 4). In each case, how would the other side criticize the policies you have chosen?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.