Everyday woes Flashcards
(68 cards)
What is the definition of economic growth?
Economic growth is the increase in value of the goods and services produced by an economy.
How can economic growth be measured?
By an increase in real output or GDP of an economy over time.
What does the business cycle reflect?
Fluctuations in the economy’s level of real output over time.
What are the four phases of the business cycle?
- Peak
- Trough
- Expansion
- Recession
What is a peak in the business cycle?
The highest point of GDP.
What is a trough in the business cycle?
The lowest point of GDP.
What occurs during an expansion phase of the business cycle?
Demand begins to increase, improving the economy.
What characterizes a recession?
Economic contraction: A general slowdown in economic activity.
What is actual economic growth?
Occurs when the economy is producing more of either consumer and/or capital goods.
How is actual economic growth represented on the production possibilities frontier (PPF)?
By a movement from a point within the PPF towards a point on the PPF curve.
What causes actual economic growth?
A boost in Aggregate Demand (AD).
What effect does an increase in Aggregate Demand have on the economy?
It has an inflationary effect as the general price level increases.
What is potential economic growth?
Occurs when the economy is already producing at its maximum capacity or at full employment.
How is potential economic growth represented on the PPF?
By an outward shift of the production possibilities frontier (PPF).
What causes potential economic growth?
- Increase in quality and quantity of resources
- Improvement in technology
What defines a recession?
Negative growth for 2 consecutive quarters or more.
What is a negative output gap?
When the actual output is less than potential output.
What indicates that an economy is likely slowing down or in recession?
A negative output gap.
What is a positive output gap?
When the actual output is more than the full capacity output.
What problem is associated with a positive output gap?
Rising prices.
What are the components of Aggregate Demand (AD) that can lead to actual economic growth?
- Consumption expenditure
- Investment spending
- Government expenditure
- Net exports
What factors contribute to potential economic growth?
- Quantity of factors of production
- Population size
- Quality of factors of production
- Improvement in technological process
- Investment
What are some benefits of economic growth?
- Higher income
- Higher employment opportunities
- Increased goods for consumption
- Protection of the environment
- Higher tax revenue to redistribute income