Unit 3: Macroeconomic Policy

Lesson 13a: Fiscal Policy (FP)

Outcomes - What you should learn

TOPICS

- Government Spending Multiplier
- Lump-Sum Tax Multiplier
- Balanced Budget Multiplier
- Multiplier with Crowding Out
- Built-In Stability (Automatic Stabilzers) and the Cyclically Adjusted Budget
- Fiscal Policy: Problems, Criticisms, and Complication
- Supply-Side Fiscal Policy

OUTCOMES

We know that GDP = C + Ig + G + Xn.
If at full employment GDP would equal $500 billion, but it is currently at $400 billion, then what increase in government purchases (G) are needed to achieve full employment? MPC=0.8

Explain expansionary and contractionary fiscal policy and its effects on the economy and Federal budget.

Compare and explain the difference between the government spending multiplier and the lump-sum tax multiplier

What is the balanced budget multiplier and why is it equal to one?

If we increase government spending by $500 million AND raise taxes by $500 million to pay for the additional spending. What will happen to real GDP?

Explain how the multiplier effect is weakened when there is demand-pull inflation.

Explain how crowding out affects the multiplier.

Describe supply-side fiscal policy and its affect on the multiplier

Some politicians say that if you CUT tax rates then the government will collect MORE in tax revenue. Explain. 

Explain how built in stabilizers help eliminate recession or inflation.

Explain the differential impacts of progressive, proportional, and regressive taxes on the built in stabilzers.

Explain the significance of the "cyclically-adjusted budget" concept.

Describe recent U.S. fiscal policy actions and the motivation behind them.

List and define three timing problems encountered with fiscal policy

State political problems that limit effective fiscal policy and explain the "political business cycle".

Identify actions by state and local governments that can offset fiscal policy.

 

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Lesson 13a