Question

An economy is operating with output $300 billion above its natural level, and fiscal policymakers want to close this expansionary gap. The central bank agrees to adjust the money supply to hold the interest rate constant, so there is no crowding out. The marginal propensity to consume is 3/5, and the price level is completely fixed in the short run.
Required:
1. To close the expansionary gap, the government would need ____________.

Answer 1

Answer:

$120 billion

Explanation:

Economy operating at $300 billion above its natural level of output.

Marginal propensity to consume, MPC = 3/5 = 0.6

For closing this expansionary gap, the government have to decrease its spending by the amount calculated as follows:

Spending multiplier:

= 1/ (1 - MPC)

= 1/ (1 - 0.6)

= 1/ 0.4

= 2.5

Hence, the government spending reduces by

= Expansionary gap ÷ Spending multiplier

= $300 ÷ 2.5

= $120 billion