Fiscal Policy

 

 

Distinguish between discretionary stabilization policy and automatic stabilizers?

 

Give examples of how discretionary fiscal policy might be used to stave off an economic downturn.

 

Give three examples of automatic stabilizers in the U.S. economy.

 

How do automatic stabilizers impact the federal budget during times of economic slowdown?

 

How does expansionary fiscal policy impact the federal budget over the course of the cycle?

 

What is meant by the term “crowding out”?  What impact does crowding out have on the size of the government expenditures multiplier?  Explain.

 

What are the three time lags that limit the effectiveness of discretionary fiscal policy?  Explain each!  Would these time lags apply equally to monetary policy?

 

How might a supply side tax cut be targeted differently from a regular, Keynesian type stimulative tax cut?

 

 

Sample Multiple Choice Questions

 

A supply side tax cut would be aimed at:

a) shifting the aggregate demand curve to the

   right.

b) shifting the aggregate supply curve to the

   left.

c) moving the economy down along the existing

   aggregate supply curve.

d) shifting the aggregate supply curve to the right

  

 

 

 

The time elapsing between the time of the onset of a policy and the results of that policy would be called:

a) fiscal drag

b) automatic stabilization

c) recognition lag

d) discretionary stabilization

e) action lag

 

 

Which would be considered an inappropriate policy measure (by a Keynesian) if the economy were in, or threatened by, a

recession?

a)     increasing government purchases

b)    raising taxes

c)     running a federal budget deficit

d)    combining a tax cut with an increase in government spending

 

 

Which of the following would not tend to act as an automatic

(or built-in) stabilizer for the economy?

a)     unemployment compensation benefits

b)    food stamps

c)     a progressive income tax system

d)    inheritance taxes

e)     an emergency tax cut by Congress