Question

If government tax revenues change automatically and in a countercylical direction over the course of the business cycle, this would be called a(n): 
A. Discretionary fiscal policy
B. Expansionary fiscal policy
C. Political business cycle
D. Nondiscretionary fiscal policy

Answer 1

Answer: Option (C) is correct.

Explanation:

Correct Option: Political business cycle

If government tax revenues change automatically and in a countercylical direction over the course of the business cycle, this would be called a Political business cycle.

These cycles are present in macroeconomic variables such inflation rate, output and unemployment. There are two types of regime follow in this cycle are as follows:

(i) Regime A consist of expansionary polices which results in a economic growth and inflation. If the inflation rate is high enough then there is a withdrawal of policy.

(ii) Regime B consist of contractionary polices which results in reducing economic growth and inflation. It will become voted out if the unemployment is too high, replaced by Regime A. It generally lead to downward movement of the cycle.