Final answer:
The persistence of large U.S. trade deficits leads to greater demand for protectionist measures like trade barriers and quotas, resulting in higher prices for U.S. consumers and fueling inflation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The persistence of large U.S. trade deficits is a macroeconomic factor that influences the demand for protectionist measures, such as trade barriers and quotas, which are political/legal measures. These protectionist measures lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and fuel inflation, ultimately impacting the economy.