Written Assignment:
A. Contrast the position of Keynes vs. Hayek on income inequality and government redistribution
policies (such as progressive taxation and minimum wages).
B. Consider the evidence in the two articles below (as well as long term data on inequality by Piketty
attached).
C. Develop arguments both pro and con regarding income redistribution. That is, the government
should/should not have progressive taxes, unemployment insurance, social security, minimum
wages, or welfare programs. Develop comprehensive positions on BOTH sides, making use of
evidence where possible.
Write a brief essay answering these questions, double-spaced, typewritten, 2 3 pages, with footnotes
and references. Document all sources and cite the source of all statistics and direct quotes in the body of
the text.
Reference articles:
“The President of Inequality,” Wall Street Journal, October 2, 2014.
Angus Loten. “Election Pay Day: Five States Vote to Raise Minimum Wage.” Wall Street Journal,
November 5,.2014.
Data below are from Thomas Piketty, as reviewed in The New Yorker, in an article by John Cassidy,
March 26, 2014.