#1
Which of the following best describes the concept of opportunity cost?
The cost of forgoing the next best alternative when making a decision
ExplanationOpportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative foregone when a decision is made.
#2
In economics, what is the primary function of a market?
To determine prices and allocate resources
ExplanationMarkets serve to establish prices and allocate resources efficiently through supply and demand.
#3
What is the term used to describe the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period?
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
ExplanationGross Domestic Product (GDP) quantifies the total output of goods and services within a nation's borders over a defined period.
#4
Which of the following is an example of a regressive tax?
Sales tax
ExplanationA regressive tax like a sales tax imposes a higher burden on lower-income individuals relative to their income.
#5
What is the primary goal of a firm in the context of profit maximization?
To maximize profits
ExplanationFirms aim to maximize profits by optimizing production, pricing, and resource allocation.
#6
Which of the following is a characteristic of a perfectly competitive market?
Many buyers and sellers with homogeneous products
ExplanationPerfectly competitive markets feature numerous buyers and sellers dealing with identical products.
#7
What is the role of the Federal Reserve in the U.S. economy?
Controlling the money supply and interest rates
ExplanationThe Federal Reserve regulates the money supply and interest rates to stabilize the economy.
#8
What is the name of the market structure where there is only one seller of a particular product?
Monopoly
ExplanationA monopoly exists when there is a single seller dominating the market with no close substitutes.
#9
In economics, what does the term 'elasticity' refer to?
The responsiveness of quantity demanded to a change in price
ExplanationElasticity measures how sensitive quantity demanded is to changes in price, reflecting consumer responsiveness.
#10
What does the term 'inflation' refer to in economics?
An increase in the overall level of prices
ExplanationInflation denotes a sustained rise in the general price level, reducing the purchasing power of money.
#11
Which economic concept describes the situation where the production of one good increases the opportunity cost of producing another good?
Law of increasing opportunity cost
ExplanationThe Law of Increasing Opportunity Cost states that as the production of one good increases, the opportunity cost of producing another good rises.
#12
Which of the following is NOT a determinant of demand in economics?
Cost of production
ExplanationThe cost of production primarily influences supply, not demand, in economic analysis.
#13
What is the term used to describe a market condition where there is only one buyer for a product or service?
Monopsony
ExplanationMonopsony occurs when there's a single buyer exerting substantial control over the market, influencing prices and quantity.
#14
What is the term used to describe a situation where the quantity demanded for a good or service is greater than the quantity supplied at a given price?
Shortage
ExplanationA shortage occurs when the demand for a product or service exceeds its supply at a given price, potentially leading to price increases.
#15
What does the term 'economic efficiency' refer to?
The level of output produced given available resources
ExplanationEconomic efficiency signifies the optimal allocation of resources to maximize output and welfare, achieving the highest possible standard of living.