This study brings an original slant to the complex and much-debated question of the proper role of government in the economic sphere. Representing a broad range of disciplinary and ideological approaches, the authors identify and explore the most fundamental propositions concerning the economic role of government, as well as the generalizations, major themes, and conclusions that can be drawn from them. The essays focus on the deep levels of political and economic organization and on the values and underlying assumptions that are the bases of the institution of government.

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