Explain the basic idea of the expenditure multiplier and the role consumers play in determining its magnitude
What will be an ideal response?
The basic idea of the expenditure multiplier is that any increase in expenditure will increase real GDP by a larger (a multiple) amount. The magnitude of the expenditure multiplier basically depends on how strongly consumers respond to additional income. Any initial increase in expenditure increases aggregate expenditure, which leads to more production and an increase in real GDP and income. Thus an increase, say in investment, will generate an increase in income and this increase, in turn, will induce an increase in consumption expenditure. The second round, the increase in consumption expenditure, is the result of the first round, the increase in investment. But the story does not stop with just two rounds. The initial increase in expenditure sets off a chain of increases because the second round increase in consumption leads to yet another increase in GDP and income. As a result of this next increase in income, consumption expenditure increases another time and a third round of expenditure increases occurs. The final result of all the rounds has real GDP increasing many fold compared to the initial increase in investment.
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Where are the final goods and services produced that are included in Germany's GDP?
A) anywhere, as long as they are produced using German labor B) within Germany C) within Germany but only if they are produced using only German resources D) outside of Germany E) anywhere, as long as they are produced using German resources
Suppose the government's goal is to increase consumption in the year 2002 . Its two options are (1) an announced one-time $1 billion dollar tax cut for 2002 or (2) an announced permanent tax cut (2000 and thereafter) of $1 billion dollars starting in 2002. Which would more effectively achieve the government's goal?
a. the one-time tax rebate, if Friedman's permanent income hypothesis is correct b. the permanent tax cut, if Friedman's permanent income hypothesis is correct c. either option would do because each will increase consumption by the same amount d. the one-time tax rebate, if Duesenberry's relative income hypothesis is correct e. the permanent tax cut, if Duesenberry's relative income hypothesis is correct
Which of the following statements about deposit/refund systems is INCORRECT?
a. Most deposit/refund systems in the United States are used for beverage containers and lead-acid batteries. b. Some nations use deposit/refund systems for automobile bodies. c. The deposit is imposed at the time of purchase like a retail disposal charge. d. To be a viable system, the refund must be exactly equal to the deposit.
Table 35.1CountryTons of SoybeansComputerChina100300United States150750Based on the information in Table 35.1, assume China and the United States have the same amount of resources with which to produce soybeans and computers and they produce no other goods. From the information in Table 35.1, it is clear that
A. China has a comparative advantage in computers. B. The United States has an absolute advantage in both goods. C. The United States has a comparative advantage in both goods. D. China has both an absolute and comparative advantage in soybeans.