This book highlights the importance of economic knowledge in government decision-making. Almost every decision and responsibility facing governments involves economic considerations as well as other aspects. Whether it is funding the military, management of the health care system, or taxing appropriately, the issues are too complex and too important to be left to hunch, intuition, and guesswork. A politician who aspires to more than personal power, and wants to benefit the national society, needs good economic advice. Recognizing the need for effective advice and knowing how to find it is itself challenging. This book points the way. A sophisticated overview of economics is the key and a realistic attainment. How does economics work? Is it science? Is it common sense dressed up in jargon? This book provides insight into what is going on in the discipline and why this knowledge is needed. Students intending to study economics can get a head start from this book. Those alreadyengaged can be helped around some awkward corners. The main audience is the general reader. Economic turmoil abounds. Does it look like informed policies are being undertaken? Does the discussion on radio and other media of current problems have the feel and thrust of genuine knowledge, or is it merely spinning out familiar cliches and guesses? Reading this book, the concerned citizen, the reader with curiosity, and the informed voter will enjoy knowing more about effective economic policy.