This study provides a systematic analysis of selective consumption tax policy. We detail both the motivations behind selective consumption taxes and the policy's shortcomings. Empirically, we explore how consumption of 12 goods?alcohol, cigarettes, fast food, items sold at vending machines,...

Many, but not all, US state governments have adopted preference policies that give an advantage to in-state businesses (vendors) that submit bid proposals for state projects. Most preference policies are specified in a specific percentage advantage, which means that an in-state vendor will be...