1. The manuscript for this text was typed by a friend. Had I hired a secretary to do the same job, GDP would have been higher, even though the amount of output would have been identical. Why is this? Does this make sense?
2. GDP in 1981 was $2.96 trillion. It grew to $3.07 trillion in 1982, yet the quantity of output actually decreased.
How is this possible?
3. If gross investment is not large enough to replace the capital that depreciates in a particular year, is net investment greater or less than zero? What happens to our production possibilities?
Chapter 6 - page 131
1. Is it possible for unemployment rates to increase at the same time the number of employed persons is increasing?
How?
7. Why is frictional unemployment deemed desirable?
Chapter 7 - page 151
6. Would it be advantageous to borrow money if you expected prices to rise? Would you want a fixed-rate loan or one with an adjustable interest rate?
8. Identify two groups that benefit from deflation and two that lose.
Chapter 11
5. Will consumers always spend the same percentage of any tax cut? Why might they spend more or less than usual?
Chapter 12
6. A constitutional amendment has been proposed that would require Congress to balance the budget eachyear. Is it possible to balance the budget every year? Is it desirable?
10. Which of the following options do you favor in resolving future social security deficits?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?
(a) cutting Social Security benefits,
(b) raising payroll taxes,
(c) cutting non-Social Security programs,
(d) raising income taxes.