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Economic Report of the President

Economic Report of the President - 2005 - The American Presidency ...

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C H A P T E R 5Expanding Individual Choiceand ControlAfarmer prepares <strong>the</strong> soil, plants seeds, and tends her crops. Her wheat willnot be ripe for months. How does she know she will reap <strong>the</strong> fruits <strong>of</strong> herhard work? A businessman buys a factory, hires engineers, and purchases steel,rubber, and glass, with <strong>the</strong> intention <strong>of</strong> manufacturing cars. How does he knowhe will enjoy <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> his effort and investment? A pharmaceutical firminvests millions now to develop a new drug that may, much later, help to curecancer. How does it know it will receive a return on its research expenditures?Property rights provide <strong>the</strong> crucial link between people’s effort and <strong>the</strong>irreward. They are <strong>the</strong> instrument society uses to establish people’s control overthings. In practice, <strong>the</strong>se go by many names, such as deeds, titles, permits,vouchers, allowances, or accounts. Patents and copyrights are also propertyrights, establishing control over inventions, books, songs, and o<strong>the</strong>r creativeconcepts. The essential idea is <strong>the</strong> same in each case: <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>property right controls how something valuable is used.Property rights have a pr<strong>of</strong>ound effect on <strong>the</strong> choices people make. Inaddition to giving <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> incentive to maintain and invest in things, peoplewill use resources more prudently if <strong>the</strong>y own <strong>the</strong>m. Property rights are essentialfor markets to function. The lack <strong>of</strong> a clear title might prevent a car purchase. Ahome buyer is unlikely to sign on <strong>the</strong> dotted line if she is not sure that <strong>the</strong> selleractually owns <strong>the</strong> house. Without property rights, would-be entrepreneurscannot secure loans <strong>the</strong>y might need to help <strong>the</strong>ir businesses grow.The key points <strong>of</strong> this chapter are:• Property rights are essential to <strong>the</strong> efficient operation <strong>of</strong> markets, whichin turn allocate resources to <strong>the</strong>ir most highly valued use. Clearly definedrights are important in avoiding overuse <strong>of</strong> resources and in encouraging<strong>the</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> resources.• The thoughtful application <strong>of</strong> property rights has already brought abouta number <strong>of</strong> policy improvements, such as reducing air pollution in alow-cost way, protecting fisheries from overexploitation, and facilitatinggreater school choice.• Providing people with ownership and individual choice and control <strong>of</strong>assets could help address several current concerns, including SocialSecurity reform and <strong>the</strong> encouragement <strong>of</strong> international development.117

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