Question

If the marginal propensity to consume is 0.6, the marginal propensity to save is 0.4, and government spending increases by $2 billion at the same time taxes rise by $2 billion, equilibrium income will:

Answer 1

Answer: Equilibrium income will increase by $800 million

Explanation:

When taxes rises  means tax rate increased, an increase in tax rate decreases consumption and income. Increase in Government spending increases  income

the increase Government Spending by $2 Billion will increase income by $2 Billion.  An increase in taxes will decrease Consumption by $1.2 Billion ($2 billion x 0.6)

Equilibrium income will increase by $800 million (2 billion - 1.2 billion)

Answer 2

Answer:

increase by $2 billion

Explanation:

If the government increases both spending and taxes by the same amount, equilibrium income will increase by the amount of the government spending which will result in an increase in total aggregate demand.

If we follow a Keynesian analysis, we can determine the net effect:

change produced by government spending increase = change G / G multiplier = $2 / 0.4 = $5 billion

G multiplier = 1 - MPC or MPS

the change produced by taxes = - (MPC x change T) / MPS = - (0.6 x $2 billion) / 0.4 = -$1.2 billion / 0.4 = -$3 billion

net effect = $5 billion - $3 billion = $2 billion