Question

Agreement and disagreement among economists

Suppose that Yakov, an economist from a business school in Georgia, and Ana, an economist from a public television program, are arguing over budget deficits. The following dialogue shows an excerpt from their debate:
Ana: Most people recognize that the budget deficit has been rising considerably over the last century. We need to find the best course of action to remedy this situation.
Yakov: I believe that a cut in income tax rates would boost economic growth and raise tax revenue enough to reduce budget deficits.
Ana: I actually feel that raising the top income tax rate would reduce the budget deficit more effectively.
The disagreement between these economists is most likely due to ___.
Despite their differences, with which proposition are two economists chosen at random most likely to agree?
A. Rent cellings reduce the quantity and quality of available housing.
B. Immigrants receive more in government benefits than they contribute in taxes.
C. Having a single income tax rate would improve economic performance.

Answer 1

differing opinions on the point we are on the Laffer Curve

A

Step-by-step explanation:

The Laffer Curve is a supply side economic theory developed by Arthur Laffer in 1974.

The curve depicts the relationship between tax rates and tax revenue

According to this theory, higher income tax rate reduces the incentive of labour to work and invest due to the fact that labour would have to pay higher tax. This means that at some point, increase in the tax rate would decrease government revenue rather than increase it.

The theory submits that there is an optimal tax rate at which tax income is maximised. Once this point is surpassed, increase in tax rate would reduce government revenue

Price ceiling is when the government or an agency of the government sets the maximum price for a product. It is binding when it is set below equilibrium price.

Effects of a binding price ceiling

1. It leads to shortages

2. it leads to the development of black markets

3. it prevents producers from raising price beyond a certain price

4. It lowers the price consumers pay for a product. This increases consumer surplus

A rent ceiling would lead to shortage of houses and a reduction of the quality of available housing.