This comprehensive explanation of the U.S. government's role in economics will be an eye-opener for anyone who wants to understand exactly what the government does—and doesn't do—in this most critical area. Most people, including many economists, are not aware of the great variety of crucial tasks and invaluable analyses undertaken by government economists. This three-volume set will fill that gap with an all-encompassing overview of the major economics-related work the government performs across all of its agencies and offices. With 45 chapters written by 61 leading experts, the work covers every major topic in government economics, including such diverse areas as monetary policy, defense spending, social assistance, international trade, antitrust, and environmental protection. In addition to entries by those who teach economics, the compendium also features candid observations from government insiders to help readers grasp how things really work. But readers will not only gain insight into specific fields and topics, they will also be able to better understand the big picture and how its pieces fit together. This unique and far-reaching set often challenges conventional wisdom even as it presents a novel synthesis of the government's research, analysis—and actions. Covers all basic subjects in government economics, addressing the practical side of public economics as well as theory Includes rarely discussed topics such as modeling and forecasting the macroeconomy, the development of official measures of well-being, and professional ethics for economists in federal service Comments on issues of particular interest to those in business including government intervention in small business lending, regulation of the banking industry, regulations governing securities transactions, outsourcing, and strategies for promoting U.S. competitiveness in world markets Includes entries by leading experts such as Robert Lerman, president of the Society of Government Economists; Susan Offutt, chief economist of the Government Accountability Office; Paul Pautler, deputy director at the Federal Trade Commission; and Murray Weidenbaum, former chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisors