📚 Learning Guide
Balanced Budget Multiplier Effects
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If the government increases spending and taxes by the same amount, what is the likely impact on overall economic output?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Economic output increases due to the spending multiplier effect

B

Economic output decreases because higher taxes reduce consumption

C

There is no change in economic output as spending and taxes offset each other

D

Economic output decreases because government spending always leads to inefficiency

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When the government increases spending and taxes by the same amount, the overall impact on economic output can be somewhat neutral. This is because the increase in government spending puts more money into the economy, which can boost demand for goods and services. However, the increase in taxes takes money away from people, which can reduce their spending power. For example, if the government spends an extra $100 million on infrastructure but also raises taxes by $100 million, the immediate effect might not change the total economic activity much because the extra spending is offset by the higher taxes. In this case, the balanced budget multiplier suggests that the overall output could remain stable, showing that the effects of spending and taxes can balance each other out.

Detailed Explanation

When the government spends money, it creates jobs and boosts demand. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher taxes always hurt spending; It's a common belief that spending and taxes cancel each other out.

Key Concepts

Balanced Budget Multiplier
Government Spending and Taxes
Aggregate Demand
Topic

Balanced Budget Multiplier Effects

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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