POLITICAL ECONOMY

1. The text categorizes the United States and Great Britain as “liberal market
   economies”. It categorizes Germany and Japan as “coordinated market
   economies.” What do those two categories mean? What are the features of the
   different groups of nations that have categorized them differently? This
   categorization was made before 2010. Would the categorizations be accurate
   today? Why/why not. Be sure to consider the distribution of political power at the
   federal level in the US when giving your answer.
2. Discuss labor unions. What is their current status in American society? How does
   their current status reflect the prevailing social compact? How do you account for
   any changes in the status of unions? Is the current mood regarding unions
   explicable or, inexplicable, given what you know about government and politics
   in the United States?
3. In the section “Business Associations: A Comparative Perspective”, three
   categories are identified, individualist, associational, corporatist. Identify a
   country that would fit in each category and explain your choices. Which would
   you suggest would make the most sense for the US given its politics, economy
   and society? Explain. Can it be instituted? Why/why not?
4. It is said that authority in the United States is dispersed and fragmented. What is
   meant by that statement? Would you say that this fact redounds to the advantage
   or, disadvantage for US business in trying to affect policy outcomes? In your
   answer cite a policy problem affecting business to illustrate your point. Explain.
5. Discuss monetary and fiscal policy. Which would you suggest makes more sense
   for the US to emphasize today when crafting macroeconomic policy? Explain. Is
   that the one being emphasized? Why/why not? Again, be sure to consider
   contemporary politics in providing your response. Give me an example of an
   aspect of the US economy that will likely be positively affected by the course that
   you suggest
6. Discuss the globalization of business activity. What were the circumstances that
   brought it about? Has the globalization of business activity served as a net
   positive or negative for US business, in your opinion? Discuss international trade
   policy and the evolution of the US attitude toward international trade. Explain.
   Given the views stated in your answers to the two foregoing questions, would you
   suggest that the US continue with current global trade regime or, endeavor to
   transform it? Explain.
7. Discuss subgovernments. Does the Constitution of the United States support
   them, in your view? Explain, citing relevant Articles and Amendments. When did
   subgovernments begin to appear? Why? What role did they play in policymaking
   a century ago? Explain. What happened to bring about a change in their role, if
   any change has occurred? Which would you suggest has had the more positive
   impact on problem solving in the United States, the situation today or, that of a
   century ago? Explain.
8. After several years of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, we are able
   to make a preliminary assessment of whether or not government or the market are
   the best problem-solving mechanism to address the problems of the uninsured.
   Which do you choose? Make a constitutional argument for both sides of that
   debate. Discuss the policy process that likely occurred to bring the ACA about.
   What is the current stage? What should be next?
9. Discuss your term paper topic. You have now had sufficient time to reflect upon it
   and, to refine your thinking. Discuss your conclusion regarding the best problemsolving mechanism. Discuss the constitutional and legal support for your position.
   Discuss the claim that can be made on the other side of the debate. Why is your
   position more persuasive, in your opinion?

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