Question

Suppose a hypothetical economy is currently in a situation of deficient aggregate demand of $16 billion. Four economists agree that expansionary fiscal policy can increase total spending and move the economy out of recession, but they are debating which type of expansionary policy should be used. Economist A believes that the government spending multiplier is 4 and the tax multiplier is 2. Economist B believes that the government spending multiplier is 2 and the tax multiplier is 8.

Required:
Compute the amount the government would have to increase spending to close the output gap according to each economist's belief.

Answer 1

Economist A

Government spending multiplier $4billion

Tax multiplier $8billion

Economist B

Government spending multiplier $8billion

Tax multiplier $2billion

Step-by-step explanation:

Computation for the amount the government would have to increase spending to close the output gap according to each economist's belief

ECONOMIST A

Government spending multiplier=16/4

Government spending multiplier=$4billion

Tax multiplier=16/2

Tax multiplier=$8billion

ECONOMIST B

Government spending multiplier=16/2

Government spending multiplier=$8billion

Tax multiplier=16/8

Tax multiplier=$2billion

Therefore the amount the government would have to increase spending to close the output gap according to each economist's belief are :

ECONOMIST A

Government spending multiplier=$4billion

Tax multiplier=$8billion

ECONOMIST B

Government spending multiplier=$8billion

Tax multiplier=$2billion