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The effect of government size on the unemployment rate

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Abstract

Recent empirical studies have revealed that the size of government is inversely related to economic growth and technical efficiency. Evidence is presented linking the size of government to reported unemployment rates for the industrial countries during recent years. This finding helps to explain the empirical link between government size and poor macroeconomic performance.

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Abrams, B.A. The effect of government size on the unemployment rate. Public Choice 99, 395–401 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018349411246

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018349411246

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