Politics and the Economy

The CNN Republican Presidential Debate on January 26, 2012, covered cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and privatizing entitlement programs like Social Security. Research has shown these aren't the best ways to create jobs, and might even throw the economy back into recession.

Find out how the proposals of Obama's State of the Union Address would impact the economy -- and why they probably won't ever be implemented.

Find out the major economic programs and priorities of Barack Obama since becoming President in 2009.

The Tea Party's economic policies rely on reducing the size of the government. This includes reducing taxes, spending, the debt and regulations. Find out the impact on the economy.

Trickle Down Economics promises that a rising tide will float all boats. However, it hasn't really worked. Income inequality has worsened. Find out what trickle down economics really says, why it should work, and why it doesn't.

Reaganomics describes the successful economic policies enacted by President Ronald Reagan. It cut taxes and reduced inflation. Find out why it worked, and whether it would work today.

What are some ways the Federal Government could create jobs?

President George Bush and President Barack Obama both faced the worst recession since the Great Depression. Find out what programs they developed to stimulate the economy, how they were different and how they were similar.

How has President Obama handled the economy? Share your approval rating.

President Obama negotiated a tax cut deal with Republicans that increased the debt and further stimulated the economy.

What was in Barack Obama's 2009 economic stimulus package?

Ronald Reagan was President from 1981-1989, during one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. He instituted the "Reagan Revolution" and created "Reaganomics." Find out what else this charismatic leader did to impact the economy during his Presidency.

In 2011, Obama focused his State of the Union Address on jobs. His welcome message boosted the Dow above 12,000 for the first time in three years.

President Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address focused on the economy.

The Laffer Curve is the theoretical underpinning for supply-side economics and much of the Republican tax cut policies. What does it really say and how does it work?

The Making Homes Affordable Program is a new initiative launched by the Obama Administration to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Who is on the Obama Economic Advisory Panel, and what role does the panel play?

A summary of Obama's most recent bill to help those facing foreclosures.

Find out why the annual Federal budget process is becoming ever-more politicized.