1.
Which of the following would be a topic emphasized in a microeconomics class?
Correct Answer
C. How market conditions determine the price of a specific product
Explanation
A microeconomics class focuses on individual economic units such as households, firms, and markets. It analyzes how market conditions, such as supply and demand, determine the price of a specific product. This topic is relevant to microeconomics as it explores the interactions between buyers and sellers in a specific market, which is a fundamental concept in understanding how markets function at a smaller scale.
2.
For many years, Congressman Reggie Lader has called for more government regulation of business. "After all," the Congressman said recently, "business people are out to make a profit, not to create jobs or serve their customers. The government must pass more laws to require business to take the interests of consumers and workers into account." From these comments, it is clear that Congressman Lader:
Correct Answer
B. Does not accept the pHilosopHy behind Adam Smith's invisible hand
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer is that Congressman Lader's statement about the need for more government regulation of business shows that he does not accept the philosophy behind Adam Smith's invisible hand. The invisible hand refers to the idea that in a free market, individuals pursuing their own self-interests will unintentionally benefit society as a whole. However, Congressman Lader believes that businesses are solely focused on making a profit and therefore need government intervention to consider the interests of consumers and workers. This contradicts the belief in the invisible hand and suggests a different perspective on the role of government in regulating business.
3.
When the supply curve and demand curve for a particular good are on a single graph, the point at which the two curves intersect identifies the:
Correct Answer
D. Equilibrium price of the good
Explanation
The point at which the supply curve and demand curve intersect on a graph represents the equilibrium price of the good. This is the price at which the quantity demanded by consumers matches the quantity supplied by producers. At this price, there is no shortage or surplus of the good in the market, and both buyers and sellers are satisfied.
4.
In most large cities there are a large number of bakeries. These bakeries produce similar, but not identical, products. Some bakeries claim to have the best cheesecakes in town, while others brag about their cookies or specialty breads. The bakery market in a large city is an example of:
Correct Answer
A. Monopolistic competition
Explanation
The bakery market in a large city is an example of monopolistic competition. This is because there are a large number of bakeries producing similar but not identical products. Each bakery has some degree of control over the price and quality of its products, as well as some level of product differentiation. The bakeries compete with each other based on factors such as taste, variety, and customer service, creating a competitive market structure where each bakery has some market power but faces competition from others.
5.
Which of the following people would tend to favor a socialist economy?
Correct Answer
D. Fred prefers to live in a country that promotes social equality
Explanation
Fred's preference for living in a country that promotes social equality suggests that he would tend to favor a socialist economy. Socialism aims to reduce income and wealth inequalities by advocating for the redistribution of resources and promoting social welfare programs. Fred's desire for social equality aligns with the principles of socialism, which prioritize the well-being of the entire society over individual wealth accumulation.
6.
A command system is characterized by:
Correct Answer
B. Reliance on the government to determine what is produced and who gets the output
Explanation
A command system is characterized by reliance on the government to determine what is produced and who gets the output. In a command system, the government has control over the allocation of resources and makes decisions on production and distribution. This means that the government decides what goods and services are produced and how they are distributed among the population. This is in contrast to a market system, where supply and demand determine production and distribution. In a command system, individual choice and competition are limited as the government dictates economic decisions.
7.
The total value of final goods and services produced within a nation's borders in a given year is known as the nation's:
Correct Answer
D. Gross domestic product
Explanation
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the correct answer because it represents the total value of all final goods and services produced within a nation's borders in a given year. It is a measure of the economic output of a country and is used to gauge the overall health and growth of the economy. The other options, such as aggregate production quota, aggregate domestic output, and index of aggregate economic output, do not accurately describe the concept of GDP.
8.
John complained to his buddy, Frank, that the prices of all the goods he and his family buy have increased a lot over the past year. Frank disagreed, saying that the prices of some goods have gone up a bit, but other prices have declined. Frank feels that the average price of consumer goods hasn't changed very much. In order to resolve their disagreement, John and Frank should look at recent figures for the:
Correct Answer
B. CPI
Explanation
John and Frank are discussing the prices of consumer goods. To resolve their disagreement, they should look at recent figures for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. By examining the CPI, John and Frank can determine whether the overall prices of the goods they buy have increased or remained relatively stable.
9.
The Federal Reserve System operates:
Correct Answer
A. As a semi-private organization not under the direct control of the government
Explanation
The Federal Reserve System operates as a semi-private organization not under the direct control of the government. This means that while it is not entirely independent from government influence, it also has some degree of autonomy. The Federal Reserve System is composed of both public and private elements, with its decision-making body, the Federal Open Market Committee, consisting of both government officials and representatives from private banks. This structure allows for a balance between government oversight and independence in carrying out its responsibilities, such as controlling monetary policy and regulating the banking system.
10.
Senator Bud Jette is alarmed at the state of the economy. Unemployment is high and GDP is low. Senator Jette has called for Congress to take decisive action to increase its expenditures and cut takes in order to stimulate the economy. The actions called for by Senator Jette are examples of the government's use of:
Correct Answer
B. Fiscal policy
Explanation
The actions called for by Senator Jette, such as increasing government expenditures and cutting taxes, are examples of fiscal policy. Fiscal policy refers to the government's use of taxation and spending to influence the overall economy. In this case, Senator Jette is advocating for the government to use its spending power and tax policies to stimulate the economy by increasing demand and encouraging economic growth.