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Macroeconomic Equilibrium and Fiscal Policy Quiz

#1

What is the primary goal of fiscal policy?

Stabilizing the economy
Explanation

Fiscal policy aims to stabilize the economy by influencing government spending and taxation.

#2

What is the term for the situation when actual output is less than potential output?

Recessionary gap
Explanation

A recessionary gap occurs when actual output falls below the economy's potential output.

#3

Which of the following best describes fiscal policy?

The use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy
Explanation

Fiscal policy involves government actions to manage the economy through spending and taxation.

#4

What is the term for the situation when actual output exceeds potential output?

Inflationary gap
Explanation

An inflationary gap occurs when actual output surpasses the economy's potential output, leading to inflationary pressures.

#5

What is the term for a situation where the government's total expenditures exceed its total revenues in a given fiscal year?

Fiscal deficit
Explanation

A fiscal deficit occurs when total government expenditures surpass total revenues within a fiscal year.

#6

What effect does an increase in government spending have on aggregate demand?

Increases aggregate demand
Explanation

Higher government spending contributes to an increase in aggregate demand within the economy.

#7

In the context of macroeconomic equilibrium, what happens if aggregate demand exceeds aggregate supply?

Inflation occurs
Explanation

Excess aggregate demand over supply leads to inflationary pressures in the economy.

#8

Which of the following would likely be an expansionary fiscal policy measure during a recession?

Increasing government spending and decreasing taxes
Explanation

To stimulate economic activity during a recession, the government may increase spending and reduce taxes.

#9

What is the relationship between the government budget deficit and national debt?

The deficit is the amount added to the debt each year
Explanation

The annual deficit contributes to the accumulation of the national debt over time.

#10

Which of the following is an automatic stabilizer in fiscal policy?

Unemployment benefits
Explanation

Unemployment benefits automatically increase during economic downturns, providing a stabilizing effect.

#11

Which of the following represents an expansionary monetary policy action?

Decreasing the reserve requirement
Explanation

Reducing the reserve requirement is a tool of monetary, not fiscal, policy.

#12

If the government aims to reduce inflation, what type of fiscal policy might it implement?

Contractionary fiscal policy
Explanation

Contractionary fiscal policy is used to cool down an overheated economy and reduce inflationary pressures.

#13

What is the role of the central bank in fiscal policy?

Setting interest rates and controlling the money supply
Explanation

The central bank primarily handles monetary policy, influencing interest rates and money supply.

#14

What is the formula for the fiscal multiplier?

1 / (1 - MPC)
Explanation

The fiscal multiplier is calculated as 1 divided by the marginal propensity to consume (MPC).

#15

During an economic expansion, what type of fiscal policy might the government implement to prevent overheating?

Contractionary fiscal policy
Explanation

To prevent overheating, the government may use contractionary fiscal policy, reducing spending or increasing taxes.

#16

What is the crowding out effect in fiscal policy?

When government spending crowds out private investment by raising interest rates
Explanation

Crowding out occurs when increased government spending leads to higher interest rates, reducing private investment.

#17

What is the difference between discretionary fiscal policy and automatic stabilizers?

Discretionary fiscal policy is enacted by the government while automatic stabilizers are built-in features of the economy
Explanation

Discretionary fiscal policy involves deliberate government actions, while automatic stabilizers operate automatically based on economic conditions.

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