Internal improvements
The notion of "
internal improvements" ("
public works") is part of
economics and
politics. An internal improvement is some
constructable object; via which, a
nation can improve its
economic infrastructure. Examples of such items are:
airports,
canals,
dams,
dikes,
pipelines, railroads, roads,
tunnels, and artificial harbours. "Public works" is a slightly broader term, it can include such things as:
mines,
schools, hospitals, and the
water treatment centers. In some cases, it is
argued that internal improvements can be used to "solve" problems of
unemployment. Opponents of internal improvement programs argue that such projects should be undertaken by the
private sector, and not the
public sector.
See also: Jean-Baptiste Colbert, New Deal, infrastructural capital