Build a strong understanding of today's public finance and public policy with the economics-oriented approach in Hyman's PUBLIC FINANCE: A CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION OF THEORY TO POLICY, 12E. Popular author and respected economist Dr. David Hyman clearly illustrates the role government plays in today's economy as he explains how and why the public sector makes decisions. This timely edition addresses public issues confronting the United States and other nations throughout the new millennium. You examine expenditure and tax topics as you develop analytical tools to understand major government policy and finance issues. Packed with current, real examples, this edition sparks lively discussion and debate with its coverage of hot topics, such as today's national defense and homeland security, pollution rights, Social Security reform, federal tax reform and the Iraq war. Numerous study tools and exercises help you sharpen your economic insights.