Pick ONE of the following topics. You may pick a topic other than those on the list. For topics NOT in the following list, the instructor’s approval is required: 

The economic rationale for the government stimulus plan of 2009. (Note that you could also discuss why it has or has not succeeded.) 

The reason(s) for the large budget deficits and debt of the federal government. 

Social Security’s future problems 

Explain the impact of minimum wage on the ‘free’ labor market. 

Use a graph as part of the explanation to show how unemployment is affected as a result of the intervention. 

How are the differences between the health care market and most other markets the reason for the high price of health care? 

Should the antitrust law officials be concerned about mergers, such as the one between Amazon and Whole Foods, and why? 

Discuss the impact of the recent tax reforms on the 

(1) budget deficit and/or 

(2) the different socioeconomic classes (rich, middle-class, and poor). The impact of the pandemic on the US or global economy.