Question

2. Fiscal policy Suppose a hypothetical economy is currently in a situation of deficient aggregate demand of $32 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 8 and the tax multiplier is 4. Economist B believes that the government spending multiplier is 4 and the tax multiplier is 2. Compute the amount the government would have to increase spending to close the output gap according to each economist's belief. Then, for each scenario, compute the size of the tax cut that would achieve this same effect.

Answer 1

For the Economist A the spending multiplier is = 8, the tax multiplier = 4, the increase in spending is = $4 billion, the tax cut is = $8 billion.

For the Economist B, the spending multiplier is =4, the tax multiplier = 2, the increase in spending is = $8 billion, the tax cut is = $16 billion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Solution

Given that:

(1)The Economist A

The Spending multiplier = 8

In closing the output gap of $32 billion, required increase in spending = $32 billion / 8 = $4 billion

Thus,

The tax multiplier = 4

To close output gap of $32 billion, required decrease in tax = $32 billion / 4 = $8 billion

(2)The Economist B

Now,

The spending multiplier = 4

To close output gap of $32 billion, required increase in spending = $32 billion / 4 = $8 billion

So,

Tax multiplier = 2

To close output gap of $32 billion, required decrease in tax = $32 billion / 2 = $16 billion