Economic Policy In The Carter Administration

The Carter administration took office at an unfortunate time as far as economics is concerned. The economy was floundering, and the oil crisis and energy problems were all too prevalent. The author explains that as Carter turned to fighting inflation, he abandoned the traditional Democratic agenda and became a forerunner of Reagan.

In the end, he did not conquer inflation, but he did sacrifice his ambitious programs for restructuring government, crafting a lasting energy program, and reforming the tax structure, welfare, and health care. Review: Compagna finds that the decisive Carter of foreign affairs disappeared when economic policy was being formulated.

Carter inherited an economy moving toward supply-side shocks, energy shortages, double-digit inflation, a decline in real wages, a recession, and stagflation. He promised zero-base budgeting, welfare reform, health care reform, tax reform, and improved government regulation. The author reveals how progress toward all these goals was disappointing....[R]ecommended for students of economics or political science. -Choice