The Broader Economy

The U.S. economy is shaped by decisions made in the Oval Office, Congress, the Federal Reserve, and the courts. Understanding how government policies affect jobs, prices, growth, and prosperity is essential for anyone navigating American economic life. From trade wars and tariffs to inflation and pricing, the policies that government implements ripple through every wallet and every paycheck.

Trade Policy and Tariffs

Trade policy directly affects what Americans pay at the store. Explore how tariff laws shape prices, how the courts evaluate presidential trade powers, and what international trade agreements actually mean. When tariffs change, businesses may face refunds or legal challenges, and these costs often pass to consumers.

Economic Health and Affordability

What does a healthy economy actually mean? Learn about unemployment, inflation, and interest rates, understand how government measures employment, and discover why Americans feel pessimistic even when economic data looks strong. The affordability crisis is real—explore the debate around rising costs and what soaring prices mean for American politics.

Who Controls the Economy

Multiple institutions compete to shape economic policy. Meet the economists advising the President, understand the role of the independent Federal Reserve, and learn why choosing the next Fed Chair matters through 2030. The economy depends on who makes the decisions.

Broader Economic Challenges

Long-term economic sustainability raises difficult questions. Examine growing national debt and potential solutions to the debt crisis, explore how immigration affects the workforce, and understand whether 2026 brings sustainable growth or borrowed time.