The third edition of this introductory-level text has been completely revised to bring students up to date with current economic thinking on these issues. With an emphasis on data, theory, and policy, this book tackles each issue by exploring three key questions in each chapter: What does the data tell us about what has been happening to the American economy? What are the economic theories needed to understand what has been happening? What are the policy ideas and controversies associated with these economic problems? Key controversies are highlighted in each chapter to drive classroom discussion, and end-of-chapter questions develop student understanding. The book will also be accompanied by digital supplements in the form of PowerPoint slides for each chapter. This clearly written text is ideally suited to a wide variety of courses on contemporary economic conditions, inequality, and social economics in the United States.