In this paper, I consider the evolution of the meaning of “fiscal policy” as understood in the economics literature before the publication of Keynes's General Theory. Consideration of the evolving meaning of fiscal policy is preliminary to understanding both the rise of Macroeconomics and...

The career and contributions of Roy Blough (1901-2000) are considered as a case study of Wisconsin Institutionalism in government policy-making at mid-century. Faculty member at Cincinnati, Chicago and Columbia, editor of the National Tax Journal, director of the research division of the U.S....

This chapter examines the origins of James M. Buchanan's critique of Keynesian fiscal policy. Considered are Buchanan's graduate training in public finance and fiscal policy and his early work in fiscal federalism. Two important themes emerge. The first is the influence of Henry C. Simons. The...