James Gwartney, Robert Lawson, and Joshua Hall
Mar 20, 2023
CSE 2.3 Minimal regulation: Regulations that increase market competitiveness or support voluntary exchange spur progress.
CSE 2.1 Competitive markets: Competition promotes the efficient use of resources and provides the incentive for innovative improvements.
CSE 2.7 Free trade: People achieve higher incomes when they are free to trade with individuals in other countries.
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Do you know why economic freedom matters and why the U.S. is slipping? Imagine a country where people can choose how to work, trade, and invest — and keep what they earn — all backed by fair laws. That’s **economic freedom**, and it often leads to prosperity. The U.S. used to be a top leader in the *Economic Freedom of the World* Index, but it has been sliding down the rankings. Why? Rising government spending, heavier business regulations, tariffs, and costly policies like the wars on terrorism and drugs. Does less economic freedom translate into slower growth and more government control, challenging your future trajectory?