Our experience suggests it is desirable to couple analysis with policy. Generally we use a three-step development of analytical tools: (1) verbal descriptions and illustrations; (2) numerical examples, and (3) graphical presentation based on the numerical illustrations.

All these considerations led us to organize the book into six parts: Part 1: An Introduction to Economics and the Economy; Part 2: Microeconomics of Product Markets; Part 3: Microeconomics of Resource Markets; Part 4: Microeconomics of Government; Part 5: Microeconomics Issues and Policies; and Part 6: International Economics and the World Economy.

Although instructors generally agree as to the content of principles of economics course, they often differ as to how to arrange the material. Microeconomics provides considerable organizational flexibility. Previous users tell us they often substantially rearrange chapters with little sacrifice of continuity.

Some instructors will prefer to intersperse the microeconomics of Parts 2 through 4 with the problems chapters of Part 5. Chapter 20 on agriculture may follow Chapter 10 on pure competition; Chapter 19 on antitrust and regulation may follow Chapters 11 to 13 on imperfect competition models and technological advance. Chapter 22 on labor market issues (unions, discrimination, and immigration) may follow Chapter 15 on wages; and Chapter 21 on income inequality may follow Chapters 15 and 16 on distributive shares of national income.