A new edition of a comprehensive text updated throughout with new material on behavioral economics international taxation cost-benefit analysis & the economics of climate policy Public economics studies how government taxing & spending activities affect the economy -- economic efficiency & the distribution of income & wealth This comprehensive text on public economics covers the core topics of market failure & taxation as well as recent developments in both policy & the academic literature It is unique not only in its broad scope but in its balance between public finance & public choice & its combination of theory & relevant empirical evidence The book covers the theory & methodology of public economics; presents a historical & theoretical overview of the public sector; & discusses such topics as departures from efficiency (including imperfect competition & asymmetric information) issues in political economy equity taxation fiscal federalism & tax competition among independent jurisdictions Suggestions for further reading from classic papers to recent research appear in each chapter as do exercises The mathematics has been kept to a minimum without sacrificing intellectual rigor; the book remains analytical rather than discursive This second edition has been thoroughly updated throughout It offers new chapters on behavioral economics limits to redistribution international taxation cost-benefit analysis & the economics of climate policy Additional exercises have been added & many sections revised in response to advice from readers of the first edition