The Edict on Maximum Prices, Established by the Roman Emperor

question 283

Multiple Choice

The Edict on Maximum Prices, established by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, created price ceilings on various jobs and goods in a failed effort to curb inflation. For example, legal pay for a farm laborer could be no more than 10.8¢ a day (payment set in modern currency) . If the market rate of farm labor was 12¢ a day, which would be a plausible consequence of this law?

• A) farms would produce more food than they otherwise would
• B) nothing unusual
• C) a laborer would work less hard than he otherwise would
• D) an increase in unemployment for farm hands

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Definitions:

Emotional Involvement

The degree to which an individual is emotionally engaged or invested in a particular situation, activity, or relationship.

Extended Period

A length of time that is longer than usual or expected.

Primary Group

A small social group characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships, which significantly influence the attitudes and ideals of those involved.

Concert Audience

The group of people who attend and watch a musical performance at a concert venue.