The primary reason that governments collect taxes from members of society is to finance government operations and provide public goods. However, taxes also create disincentives to engage in the taxed activity, which causes a change in the allocation of resources. This two consequences of taxes are summarized in two essential tax effects -- the revenue effect and the allocation effect. While all taxes have both, the key to effective government is minimize the allocation effect if the goal is to generate revenue and to minimize the revenue effect if the goal is to change the allocation of resources.

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Our pedestrian excursion through the economy has helped me work up a ferocious appetite. I vote for a quick stop at the Mr. Market Super Food Discount Store where we can purchase a loaf of bread, assorted meats, and some cheese -- all for a luncheon tribute to the Earl of Sandwich. While a self-made tribute to the Earl is less expensive than any purchased from Manny Mustard's House of Sandwich, the ingredients from Mr. Market Super Food Discount Store still carry a hefty price tag. If you're hungry and have limited cash on hand, you might wonder whether food prices are higher than they need to be.
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time driving to a factory outlet hoping to buy either a microwave over that won't burn your popcorn or a T-shirt commemorating the first day of winter. Be on the lookout for empty parking spaces that appear to be near the entrance to a store.
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This isn't me! What am I?

-- Claire Boothe Luce, diplomat, writer

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