In this non-biased, politically neutral compendium, the authors trace the evolution of the U.S. government's role in the economy, including the history, ideas, key players, and court rulings that influenced its involvement. Today's economic environment is in constant flux, as is the participation of governments in it. Local, state, national, and global governmental agencies have taken on new responsibilities—with both positive and negative economic consequences. This book looks at the changing role of American government in the economy, from determining the measurements of economic health, to being mindful of corporate sustainability, to legislating business practices and consumer affairs. This comprehensive collection of essays draws from the contributions of 25 economic scholars along with seasoned educators David A. Dieterle and Kathleen C. Simmons to examine economic systems and the factors that influence them. The work includes summaries of important Supreme Court cases that have impacted America's economic infrastructure, biographies of famous economists, and descriptions of the seven key economic systems—command (socialism), democratic socialism, fascism, market (capitalism), state capitalism, transitional, and welfare state.