US Tax Debate  SF 183: Introduction

Core Research Question Is it possible for one group to influence or even shape the perception of another group?

US Tax Debate Who has been taxed enough already in the US? Group A: Dominant? Group B: Subordinate? Who are They: Individuals, Families or Companies that earn money through Capital Gains (top 1%) Who Are They: Middle Class: People who get a pay check Pay income taxes (top 10%) Working Class: People who pay taxes Get a tax return (90% of pop.) What do they think: - Lower taxes stimulates the econ - Government wastes taxpayer money

US Tax Debate Group B: Subordinate? Group A: Dominant? Who are They: Individuals, Families or Companies that earn money through Capital Gains (top 1%) Who Are They: Middle Class and Working Class Govt wastes money Private options better What do they think: Favors private options Lower taxes stimulates the economy Government wastes taxpayer money or -Funded public sphere (schools, mass transit, health care, roadways). Which perspective wins in the public mind and in the policy debate?

Regressive Taxes Scale of Government MORE LESS Progressive Taxes Favors private options Lower taxes stimulates the economy Government wastes taxpayer money Scale of Government MORE LESS -Funded public sphere (schools, mass transit, health care, roadways). Progressive Taxes

Regressive Taxes Scale of Government MORE LESS Progressive Taxes Favors private options Lower taxes stimulates the economy Government wastes taxpayer money Scale of Government MORE LESS Progressive Taxes