Internet resources
Chapter 5: The Public Sector

Web assignments:

1. Cigarettes, Children, and the FDA
2. Markets and Ocean Fisheries

Web materials related to topics discussed in Chapter 5

James Buchanan

An interview with James Buchanan, one of the primary developers of public choice theory.

Climate Change

The United States Information Agency's climate change page contains information about U.S. government policy on global warming. Links to a wide variety of internet resources on this topic are available from this page.

"Community-Run Fisheries: Avoiding the 'Tragedy of the Commons'," by Donald R. Leal

This article, by Donald R. Leal, provides a very nice discussion of why the absence of assigned property rights has lead to overfishing along the Eastern coast of Canada and the U.S. The author notes that nongovernmental solutions have worked in some communities and suggests that extensive government involvement is not always necessary.

"Changing Course - Sustainable Fisheries in a Healthy Aquatic Eco-System," Ministry of Fisheries, New Zealand

A discussion of New Zealand's plans for managing their fisheries through 2010.

"Current Study on Privatization and Quota Licensing in Canada's Fisheries," by the Senate Committee on Fisheries (Canada)

This page discusses the pros and cons of alternative solutions to the fisheries problem. Particular attention is placed on the use of transferable permits (quotas).

Ecological Tax Reform

This document, from Greenpeace, contains a discussion of alternative methods by which government may correct for the presence of externalities.

Environmental Defense Fund

Links and information on a wide range of environmental issues are contained on this page.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is the federal agency that is most directly involved in protecting the natural environment in the U.S. It is charged with investigating compliance with environmental protection laws and creating programs and laws designed to maintain a healthy environment. This site contains extensive information about the activities of the EPA.

Food and Drug Administration

This FDA approves prescription and nonprescription medicines for use in the U.S. This page contains information about it's activities.

"Towards Better Management of New Zealand's Commercial Fisheries"

This discussion paper examines proposals to reform New Zealand's Quota Management System for its fisheries.

U.S. Federal and State Government sites on the internet

A collection of links to U.S. Federal and State government web sites is available at this page.

Related resources:

Other economic resources

This page contains a set of links to economic resources that may be of interest to introductory economics students.