Final answer:
Usual output growth is positive because it reflects the natural expansion of an economy over time, driven by factors such as population growth, technological advancements, and increased productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Usual output growth is a reflection of the inherent progress and development in an economy. It is typically driven by various factors, including population growth, technological advancements, and improvements in productivity. As the population increases, there is a higher demand for goods and services, leading to increased production and economic output.
Additionally, advancements in technology contribute to efficiency gains and innovation, further boosting productivity. These positive influences on output growth create a baseline of expansion for an economy during normal circumstances. Therefore, Okun's Law suggests that when output growth exceeds this usual positive trend, the unemployment rate tends to decrease.
This is because higher-than-usual output growth implies increased demand for labor to sustain the elevated levels of production. Consequently, the positive relationship described by Okun's Law aligns with the natural dynamics of economic growth and the associated changes in unemployment rates.