How does the actual incidence of a government expenditure program differ from the legislated intent?

Question

In what ways may the actual incidence of a government expenditure program differ from the legislated intent? Why are the effects different in the short-run and different in the long-run? What examples can I use to show the effects of government farm programs. How can I explain how the short-run and long-run effects of a regulatory program, such as rent control, may differ? I'm totally lost on this and need some intelligent, attractive, wonderful person to lend a hand. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

Your question is too broad to answer in detail. However, I will give you a general answer and one specific example.

In general, politicians have no idea what the programs that they institute actually accomplish. They usually understate the costs and overstate the benefits.

For example, Boston's "Big Dig" project cost several times its original estimate, it took 15 years to complete and was poorly engineered and constructed. See the article below for details.