A Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) is the unconditional government-ensured guarantee that all citizens will have enough income to meet their basic needs without a work requirement. Significant questions include: Why should we adopt a BIG? Can the U.S. afford it? Why don't the current welfare programs work? Why not guarantee everyone a job? Would anyone work if his or her income were guaranteed? Has a BIG ever been tested? This book answers these questions and many more in simple, easy-to-understand language.

An updated look at Sheahen's original 1983 work on what a Basic Income Guarantee would mean for the USA

1. Introduction: It's Time to Think BIG2. So What's the BIG Idea?3. Why Did We Lose the War on Poverty?4. Did You Know?5. Why Are Jobs Not the Answer?6. Why Is There So Much Inequality in the United States?7. How Do Other Countries Handle Economic Security?8. Why Should the US Adopt a Basic Income Guarantee?9. Is a Basic Income Guarantee Moral?10. Why Should I Work to Support Welfare Chiselers?11. Why Not Guarantee Everyone a Job?12. Why Not Try Other Programs?13. Can the US Afford a Basic Income Guarantee?14. Will a Basic Income Guarantee Work?15. Has the Basic Income Guarantee Ever Been Tested?16. What About the Work Ethic?17. What Will Life Be Like Under a Basic Income Guarantee?18. Will a Basic Income Guarantee Threaten Democracy?19. How Is a Basic Income Guarantee Administered?20. What's Happening with BIG Around the World?21. Can America be Convinced?22. Realistically, What Are the Chances for a BIG in the US?