1.
According to which macroeconomic theory is decreasing taxes and increasing government spending a sound policy to recover from a recession?
Correct Answer
B. Keynesian
Explanation
Keynesian theory suggests that decreasing taxes and increasing government spending is a sound policy to recover from a recession. This theory argues that during a recession, there is a lack of aggregate demand, and by reducing taxes, individuals and businesses have more disposable income to spend, which stimulates consumption. Additionally, increasing government spending injects money into the economy, creating jobs and further boosting demand. Overall, Keynesian economics emphasizes the role of government intervention to stimulate economic growth and stabilize the economy during times of recession.
2.
Which statement is most consistent with the New Classical Theory?
Correct Answer
C. Government fiscal and monetary policies cause more economic instability than stability.
Explanation
The New Classical Theory argues that government fiscal and monetary policies can lead to economic instability rather than stability. This theory suggests that individuals have rational expectations and that they adjust their behavior based on anticipated changes in policy. Therefore, any attempts by the government to manipulate the economy through fiscal or monetary policies are likely to be ineffective and can even create more instability. This view is consistent with the statement that government fiscal and monetary policies cause more economic instability than stability.
3.
Demand Side economics is
Correct Answer
C. The idea that government spending and tax cuts help an economy by raising demand.
Explanation
Demand Side economics is the idea that government spending and tax cuts help an economy by raising demand. This approach suggests that when the government increases its spending or reduces taxes, it puts more money in the hands of consumers and businesses, leading to increased spending and investment. This, in turn, stimulates demand for goods and services, which can boost economic growth. By focusing on increasing demand, Demand Side economics aims to address issues such as unemployment and recessions.
4.
Demand Side economics is
Correct Answer
C. The idea that government spending and tax cuts help an economy by raising demand.
Explanation
Demand side economics is the idea that government spending and tax cuts help stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer demand. By increasing government spending, the government can create jobs and invest in infrastructure, which in turn increases consumer spending. Additionally, tax cuts put more money in the hands of consumers, allowing them to spend more and further boost demand. This approach believes that by focusing on increasing demand, the economy can grow and prosper.
5.
The maximum output that an economy can produce without large increases in inflation is
Correct Answer
A. Productive capacity.
Explanation
The maximum output that an economy can produce without large increases in inflation is referred to as productive capacity. This term represents the maximum level of goods and services that an economy can produce using its available resources and technology. It takes into account factors such as labor, capital, and technology, and serves as a limit to economic growth without causing excessive inflationary pressures.
6.
Classical Economics is
Correct Answer
B. The idea that free markets can regulate themselves.
Explanation
Classical Economics is the idea that free markets can regulate themselves. This means that according to classical economists, the market forces of supply and demand will naturally adjust to achieve equilibrium without the need for government intervention. They believe that individuals acting in their own self-interest will lead to the most efficient allocation of resources and optimal economic outcomes. This perspective emphasizes the importance of free trade, competition, and limited government interference in the economy.
7.
Which of the following economic schools of thought is known for viewing the economy "as a whole"?
Correct Answer
B. Keynesian Economics
Explanation
Keynesian Economics is known for viewing the economy "as a whole". This school of thought emphasizes the role of government intervention in stabilizing the economy and promoting economic growth. It believes that aggregate demand is the primary driver of economic activity and that government policies, such as fiscal stimulus and monetary policy, can be used to manage aggregate demand and stabilize the economy. Keynesian Economics also emphasizes the importance of addressing unemployment and inequality through government intervention.
8.
Recessions and depressions can occur because of too little aggregate demand for goods and services.
Correct Answer
A. Keynesian Theory
Explanation
The Keynesian Theory suggests that recessions and depressions can occur due to insufficient aggregate demand for goods and services. According to this theory, during economic downturns, individuals and businesses may reduce their spending, leading to a decrease in overall demand. This can result in a decrease in production, job losses, and a further decline in demand. Keynesian economists argue that government intervention, such as increasing government spending or cutting taxes, can help stimulate aggregate demand and revive the economy.
9.
Inflation can occur because of too much aggregate demand for goods and services.
Correct Answer
A. Keynesian Theory
Explanation
Keynesian Theory suggests that inflation can occur due to excessive aggregate demand for goods and services. According to this theory, when there is an increase in aggregate demand, it leads to a situation where demand exceeds supply, resulting in inflationary pressure. Keynesian economists argue that in such situations, government intervention through fiscal policy, such as increasing taxes or reducing government spending, can help control inflation by reducing aggregate demand. This theory emphasizes the role of government in managing the economy and stabilizing inflationary pressures.
10.
Government can influence macroeconomic activity by influencing aggregate demand through fiscal and monetary policies.
Correct Answer
A. Keynesian Theory
Explanation
Keynesian Theory suggests that government can influence macroeconomic activity by using fiscal and monetary policies to influence aggregate demand. Fiscal policies involve government spending and taxation, while monetary policies involve controlling the money supply and interest rates. By increasing government spending or reducing taxes, the government can stimulate aggregate demand, leading to increased economic activity. Conversely, by reducing government spending or increasing taxes, the government can decrease aggregate demand, which can help control inflation. This theory emphasizes the role of government intervention in stabilizing the economy during periods of recession or inflation.
11.
Fiscal policy (changes in government spending and taxes) is more powerful than monetary policy (changes in the money supply and interest rates).
Correct Answer
A. Keynesian Theory
Explanation
Keynesian Theory suggests that fiscal policy is more powerful than monetary policy because it emphasizes the role of government intervention in stimulating economic growth and stabilizing the economy. According to this theory, changes in government spending and taxes can have a direct impact on aggregate demand, leading to changes in output, employment, and inflation. In contrast, the New Classical Theory argues that individuals have rational expectations and can adjust their behavior accordingly, making monetary policy more effective in influencing economic outcomes. However, the Keynesian Theory argues that in situations of economic downturns or recessions, fiscal policy can be more effective in boosting demand and stimulating economic activity.
12.
Monetary policy affects investment spending through interest rates.
Correct Answer
A. Keynesian Theory
Explanation
Keynesian Theory suggests that monetary policy can influence investment spending through interest rates. According to this theory, when the central bank lowers interest rates, it stimulates borrowing and reduces the cost of investment, encouraging businesses to increase their investment spending. Conversely, when interest rates are raised, borrowing becomes more expensive, leading to a decrease in investment spending. This theory emphasizes the importance of government intervention in managing the economy and using monetary policy as a tool to influence investment and overall economic activity.
13.
The government’s power to influence the macroeconomy is limited and often ineffective.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The New Classical Theory suggests that the government's power to influence the macroeconomy is limited and often ineffective. According to this theory, market forces are efficient and will naturally adjust to any disturbances, such as changes in government policies. It argues that individuals and firms are rational and forward-looking, making decisions based on their expectations of future events. Therefore, any attempts by the government to manipulate the economy through fiscal or monetary policies will have little impact and may even be counterproductive. This theory emphasizes the importance of free markets and minimal government intervention in achieving long-term economic growth.
14.
Consumers, business leaders, and investors are intelligent decision makers and take the effects of government policies into account in deciding on their behavior.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The New Classical Theory suggests that consumers, business leaders, and investors are rational and forward-thinking individuals who consider the impact of government policies when making decisions. This theory assumes that individuals have perfect information and are able to accurately predict the outcomes of government policies. Therefore, they adjust their behavior accordingly to maximize their own welfare. This contrasts with the Keynesian Theory, which argues that individuals may not always make rational decisions and that government intervention is necessary to stabilize the economy.
15.
People’s actions often offset the effects of government fiscal and monetary policies.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The New Classical Theory suggests that people's actions can offset the effects of government fiscal and monetary policies. This theory argues that individuals are rational and forward-looking, and they adjust their behavior in response to changes in government policies. For example, if the government increases taxes to stimulate the economy, individuals may respond by reducing their spending or increasing their savings, thereby offsetting the intended effects of the policy. This theory emphasizes the importance of individual decision-making and market mechanisms in determining economic outcomes.
16.
Monetarists believe the government should increase the money supply 3 to 5 percent a year and do no more.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The given correct answer, "New Classical Theory," suggests that the belief in increasing the money supply by 3 to 5 percent a year and not doing more aligns with the principles of the New Classical Theory. This theory emphasizes the importance of market forces and the role of individuals in making rational economic decisions. It argues for limited government intervention in the economy and emphasizes the need for stable monetary policies. Therefore, the given belief of monetarists aligns more with the principles of the New Classical Theory.
17.
Rational Expectations theorists emphasize the role of forward-looking expectations in affecting economic growth, inflation and unemployment.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The New Classical Theory emphasizes the role of rational expectations in affecting economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. According to this theory, individuals and firms form their expectations based on all available information, including past experiences and current economic conditions. These forward-looking expectations play a crucial role in shaping economic outcomes. The theory suggests that individuals and firms will adjust their behavior in response to changes in the economy, leading to self-correcting mechanisms that can stabilize the economy in the long run.
18.
Monetary and fiscal policies affect expectations and have unanticipated secondary effects that make these policies ineffective.
Correct Answer
B. New Classical Theory
Explanation
The New Classical Theory suggests that monetary and fiscal policies have limited effectiveness because they can create unanticipated secondary effects and affect expectations. This theory argues that individuals and businesses are rational and forward-looking, meaning they can anticipate and adjust their behavior in response to government policies. Therefore, any attempts to stimulate the economy through these policies may be offset by individuals and businesses adjusting their expectations and behavior accordingly, leading to limited or ineffective results.
19.
Why do New Classical theorists believe that monetary and fiscal policies will be ineffective? (Another way to think about this question is why do Keynesian economists think their policies will work?_