QuestionDecember 18, 2025

4. What are automatic stabilizers? How do they help counter the ups and downs of the business cycle?

4. What are automatic stabilizers? How do they help counter the ups and downs of the business cycle?
4. What are automatic stabilizers? How do they help counter the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Solution
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Answer

Automatic stabilizers are built-in fiscal tools (e.g., progressive taxes, unemployment benefits) that moderate economic fluctuations by increasing spending in downturns and restraining it in booms, thus smoothing the business cycle. Explanation 1. Define automatic stabilizers Automatic stabilizers are fiscal mechanisms (like taxes and welfare) that adjust automatically with economic changes, without new government action. 2. Explain how they work in downturns In recessions, tax revenues fall and welfare payments rise, increasing disposable income and supporting demand. 3. Explain how they work in booms In expansions, tax revenues rise and welfare payments fall, reducing disposable income and cooling demand.

Explanation

1. Define automatic stabilizers<br /> Automatic stabilizers are fiscal mechanisms (like taxes and welfare) that adjust automatically with economic changes, without new government action.<br />2. Explain how they work in downturns<br /> In recessions, tax revenues fall and welfare payments rise, increasing disposable income and supporting demand.<br />3. Explain how they work in booms<br /> In expansions, tax revenues rise and welfare payments fall, reducing disposable income and cooling demand.
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