This handbook evaluates the persistent problems in the fiscal systems of state and local governments and what can be done to solve them. Each chapter provides a description of the discipline area, examines major developments in policy practices and research, and opines on future prospects.

1. Introduction -- 2. Debt Is the Price of Liberty -- 3. Bounded by War -- 4. Building a Visible Government -- 5. The End of Balanced Budgets -- 6. In Pursuit of Full Employment -- 7. A New Era of Congressional Budgeting -- 8. Breaking up the Budget Process