The Politics of Tax and Budget Policy
Congressional power of the purse has been an unusually strong American trait from the beginning of the country, and has evolved in interesting and consequential ways. This course will cover the development of our current tax structure and budget process and possibilities for tax and budget reform. The course will also cover ways that the politics of fiscal policy shape (and are shaped by) other major topics of interest and what we value as a nation—fighting wars, providing a safety net for citizens, and engaging in democratic discourse and partisan competition.
Specific topics may include:
- Evolution of tax and budget policy
- Rise and fall of current tax policy and budget process
- Possibilities for tax and budget reform
- The salience of fiscal policy for war, the welfare state, and political parties
Research Seminars typically meet four times for two-hour sessions, over the course of approximately 12 weeks. The first meeting date is published on the registration schedule, with the remaining meetings determined during the first class at times that are most convenient for the largest number of participants.
NOTE: Some sessions may be offered in an online format. If a session is indicated as an online option expect class meetings to be conducted in a live virtual format (generally over Zoom) with mandatory attendance. Participants will receive detailed course information with syllabus and online access details approximately a week before the start date.
Dates:
May 21, 2025 (first class meeting)
Tuition: $1,400
