Some Economists Argue That Policymakers Can Use Monetary and Fiscal

question 22

Essay

Some economists argue that policymakers can use monetary and fiscal policy to reduce the severity of economic fluctuations. In practice, however, there are obstacles to the use of such policies. What are the primary difficulties with using monetary and fiscal policy to stabilize the economy?

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Definitions:

Average Total Cost

The cost of producing each unit, calculated by dividing the overall production expenses by the number of products made.

Marginal Cost

The added cost resulting from the manufacture of one more unit of a product or service.

Variable Input

A factor of production whose quantity can be changed easily and flexibly by a firm in the short run to adjust output levels.

Average Variable Cost

The total variable cost divided by the quantity of output produced; it shows the variable cost per unit of output.