Final answer:
From 1960 to 1980, the U.S. natural rate of unemployment increased, and from 1980 to 2000, it decreased. Over time, this rate has fluctuated due to economic and political factors, including the impact of the Great Recession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The natural rate of unemployment in the United States generally increased from 1960 to 1980 and decreased from 1980 to 2000.
Over the long term, the U.S. unemployment rate has seen varying trends. In the decades between 1960 and 1980, it trended upwards due to various economic factors and policy changes.
However, from 1980 to 2000, the rate trended downwards, influenced by economic growth, technological advancements, and demographic shifts.
Specifically, the natural rate of unemployment was on average lower in the 1990s and the early 2000s than in the 1980s.
The Great Recession in 2008-2009 caused a significant spike in unemployment, but it was predicted to fall back to about 5% by 2015, which it did.