Previous Essay Contest Topics

2017-2018

Should the federal government increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour? 

2016-2017

Can the U.S. economy still grow the way it once did?

2015-2016

What change in the American K-12 education system would result in the most cost-effective improvement in student outcomes?

2014-2015 

What are the most important influences on economic inequality in the United States?

2013-2014

The Future of the Fed

2012-2013

How should North Dakota handle its oil boom?

2011-2012

What is the value of higher education?

2010-2011

What role, if any, should government play in job creation?

2009-2010

What economic factors may be contributing to the problem of obesity, and how can economics be applied to address the problem?

2008-2009

What role, if any, should the government play in energy markets?

2007-2008

Hamilton vs. Jefferson: Whose economic vision was better? 

2006-2007

Is immigration good or bad for the U.S. economy?

2005-2006

What economic lessons can be drawn from an illegal drug deal?

2004-2005

Why are some countries rich and some countries poor?

2003-2004

What role, if any, should the government play in addressing income inequality? 

2002-2003

Select a major problem concerning the ecological environment. Using economic analysis, show how this problem should be addressed.

2001-2002

Is there a housing shortage? What role should government play in the housing market?

2000-2001

The Great Depression: Could it happen again?

1999-2000

What does this 1973 picture of a gas station without gas to sell imply about how markets work? How can the lessons portrayed in the picture guide policymakers today? 

1998-1999

What economic lessons can be drawn from this painting of a bustling sixteenth century Dutch market? 

1997-98 Essay Contest

Why do some countries grow faster than others? What, if anything, can a central bank do to enhance economic growth?

1996-97 Essay Contest

Should states be permitted to use targeted incentives to recruit businesses?

1995-96 Essay Contest

What exchange rate system should central banks adopt? 

1994-95 Essay Contest

What role should the Federal Reserve play in the payments system? 

1993-1994

Is the Community Reinvestment Act a necessary and effective tool for eliminating discrimination in lending?

1992-1993

Central Banks in Emerging Economies

1991-1992

Is reform of the banking system necessary and, if so, what types of reform would be most effective?

1990-1991

How successful has the floating exchange rate system been compared to the fixed exchange rate system? And, what modifications would you recommend, if any?

1989

Is the Federal Reserve Too Independent?