POSC 347-- COMPARATIVE PUBLIC POLICY (Spring 2007)

Dr. Charles Blake
Maury 207 – 568-6344 – BLAKECH@JMU.EDU
OFFICE HOURS: M 1:30-3, Tu 3-5, W 1:30-3 and by appointment

TAKE-HOME ESSAY #2

ESSAY TOPIC:

At various points over the last three decades, some people have asked to replace the existing U.S. personal income tax code with a single tax rate that permits no deductions or exemptions. Assume, for the purposes of this essay, that this reform is being considered actively. If all other aspects of the federal tax structure remained the same (and the subnational tax structure also stayed the same), would you find a single income tax rate better for the United States than its existing personal income tax code? Why or why not?

            In the first sentence of your essay, tell the reader your position on this question.  In the bulk of the essay, examine the strengths & weaknesses of this proposed reform and the pros and cons of the existing personal income tax code for the United States and its citizens. Build your answer to the question using information from the assigned readings. 
            There is no single, “correct” answer to this question. I want you to build a concise yet detailed argument for your point of view that shows your understanding of both sides of this debate.  You must take a position on one side or the other of the question posed.  No matter which way you argue in your essay, be sure to include at least three major points in favor of your position and three GOOD counterarguments.  Do not waste everyone’s time by including the counterarguments that are the easiest to attack while avoiding more persuasive positions.  Your essay should provide rebuttals that make it clear why your reasons are more convincing than the counterarguments.  Use specific information from course materials (especially the main textbook and the Steuerle book) to build your analysis.

This essay must be typed and double-spaced. The essay cannot be longer than two pages; the maximum number of characters (including spaces) is 4800. Please include a separate title page with your name, course number, etc.; do not write your name on the two pages containing the essay itself.

You are neither required nor encouraged to consult outside readings in preparing this essay. You are required to write a concise, yet comprehensive essay that reflects your thoughtful consideration of course readings and discussions. Please manage your schedule so that you have time to proofread and to revise your essay. Everyone wins when you revise...

DUE DATE: 11:15am on Monday, April 16th

**Submit a print copy AND submit an electronic version by the deadline.**
NAME the file after your last name.
Use the SEND FILE command in the digital dropbox on Blackboard.

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This page was last updated on: 01/26/07.
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