Acton Occasional Series

March 12, 2019

Game of Theories: The Monetarists

Note: This is post #114 in a weekly video series on basic economics. A monetarist is an economist who holds the strong belief that the economy’s performance is determined almost entirely by changes in the money supply. Continue Reading...

March 08, 2019

Unemployment as economic-spiritual indicator — February 2019 report

Series Note: Jobs are one of the most important aspects of a morally functioning economy. They help us serve the needs of our neighbors and lead to human flourishing both for the individual and for communities. Continue Reading...

March 07, 2019

Explainer: The Trump Administration’s new educational choice proposal

What just happened? Last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, along with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL), unveiled the Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS). The EFS is the Trump Administration’s primary plan to “expand and improve the education options available to students across the country.” Continue Reading...

March 06, 2019

7 Figures: National Academies report on child poverty

In a massive new 599-page study, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Board on Children, Youth, and Families produced a report on the costs of child poverty in the United States and the effectiveness of current efforts aimed at reducing poverty. Continue Reading...

March 05, 2019

Game of Theories: The Keynesians

Note: This is post #113 in a weekly video series on basic economics. “One point of contention among economists is the causes of business cycles and recessions,” says economist Tyler Cowen. Continue Reading...

March 04, 2019

6 Quotes: P. J. O’Rourke on government and politicians

On Thursday, the Acton Institute will be hosting an Evening in Chicago with P. J. O’Rourke. In honor of the event, here are six quotes on government and politicians by the best-selling author and beloved political satirist: On politicians: “A politician is anyone who asks individuals to surrender part of their liberty—their power and privilege—to State, Masses, Mankind, Planet Earth, or whatever. Continue Reading...

February 28, 2019

The political futility of moral and economic arguments today

Few things are more abundant – and durable — than human stupidity. In the universe of the feelings that govern the behavior of men and women only fear has a greater rootedness in the collective psyche. Continue Reading...

February 27, 2019

Scripture is not an encyclopedia of social science

Note: This article is part of the ‘Principles Project,’ a list of principles, axioms, and beliefs that undergird a Christian view of economics, liberty, and virtue. Click here to read the introduction and other posts in this series. Continue Reading...

February 26, 2019

Understanding the Great Depression

Note: This is post #112 in a weekly video series on basic economics. During the “Roaring Twenties” the economy was booming—growing at nearly three percent per year—while inflation stayed near zero percent. Continue Reading...

February 22, 2019

Explainer: Supreme Court constrains civil asset forfeiture

What just happened? On Wednesday the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Timbs v. Indiana that the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution applies to state governments and that some state civil asset forfeitures violate the Clause. Continue Reading...

< Previous 1 … 9 10 11 12 13 … 64 Next >