This dissertation consists of six self-contained chapters that are related to the behavior of firms and politicians in a broader sense. After an introduction to the topic, the first part of the dissertation elaborates on how institutional and political framework conditions influence the behavior...

The rich, the poor, and the taxes they pay -- Who paid the taxes, 1966-85 -- The personal income tax -- Comprehensive income tax reform -- Erosion of the individual income tax -- The comprehensive income tax concept -- Tax reform in the United States -- The family -- Capital gains and losses --...