Is a Recession Simply a Decline in GDP? What Does That Mean?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the institution that dates the peaks and troughs of the business cycles:

A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP [gross domestic product], real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. A recession begins just after the economy reaches a peak of activity and ends as the economy reaches its trough.

After Secession, What Happens to the National Debt?

The topic of secession has become more common in recent years as various regions and minority populations (e.g., California and Texas) have suggested breaking away from the United States. The idea is put forward with varying levels of seriousness, but the fact that talk of secession is increasingly open and regular suggests increasing strength for what the political scientists call “centrifugal” forces. That is, cultural and political trends increasingly point toward growing separation and away from increased union. 

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Emile Woolf is a teacher, lecturer, best-selling author of professional texts, practicing accountant, forensic e