1.
Two roles of economists: as policy advisors, they develop and test their theories to explain the world around them. As policy advisers, they use their theoires to help change the world for the better.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The other way around.
2.
The price ceiling is binding if it's below the equilibrium point.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A price ceiling is a government-imposed limit on how high a price can be charged for a product or service. When the price ceiling is set below the equilibrium point, it means that the maximum price allowed by the government is lower than the market price determined by supply and demand. In this situation, the price ceiling becomes binding because it creates a shortage of the product or service, as suppliers are unable to charge the market price and may choose not to produce enough to meet the demand. Therefore, the statement that the price ceiling is binding if it's below the equilibrium point is true.
3.
The price floor is binding if it's above the equilibrium point.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
A price floor is a government-imposed minimum price set above the equilibrium price in a market. When the price floor is above the equilibrium point, it creates a situation where the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded, leading to a surplus. This surplus occurs because suppliers are willing to sell more at the higher price, but consumers are not willing to buy as much at that price. Therefore, the statement is true as a binding price floor creates a surplus in the market.
4.
In house renting, both supply and demand are more elastic in the long run.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In house renting, both supply and demand are more elastic in the long run. This means that both the quantity supplied and the quantity demanded are more responsive to changes in price over time. In the long run, landlords can adjust the number of rental properties available, and tenants have more flexibility to find alternative housing options. This elasticity allows for a more balanced market where prices can adjust to equate supply and demand.
5.
When tenants get lower rents, they:
Correct Answer
D. Also get lower-quality housing
Explanation
When tenants get lower rents, they also get lower-quality housing. This means that in order to reduce the rent, landlords may cut corners on maintenance, repairs, and overall quality of the property. Therefore, while tenants may benefit from paying less rent, they may have to compromise on the condition and standards of their housing.
6.
Minimum wage raises the income of those workers who have job, but it lowers the income of workers who cannot find jobs.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because when the minimum wage is increased, it directly raises the income of workers who have jobs and are earning at or below the minimum wage. However, it can also have negative consequences for workers who are unable to find jobs because employers may be less willing to hire or retain workers due to the increased labor costs. This can result in a decrease in employment opportunities and therefore lower income for those individuals.
7.
The impact of the minimum wage depends on the skill and experience of the worker.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The impact of the minimum wage depends on the skill and experience of the worker. This is true because workers with higher skills and experience are more likely to earn wages above the minimum wage. On the other hand, workers with lower skills and experience may be more affected by changes in the minimum wage as they are more likely to earn the minimum wage or close to it. Therefore, the impact of the minimum wage varies depending on the worker's skill level and experience.
8.
The minimum wage has greatest impact on:
Correct Answer
A. The market for teenage labor
Explanation
The minimum wage has the greatest impact on the market for teenage labor because teenagers often have limited work experience and skills, making them more likely to be employed in low-wage jobs. When the minimum wage increases, employers may be less willing to hire teenagers or may reduce their working hours to offset the higher labor costs. This can result in fewer job opportunities for teenagers and potentially higher unemployment rates among this age group.
9.
Minimum wage is more often ______ for teenagers than for other members of the labor forces.
Correct Answer
D. Binding
Explanation
The correct answer is "binding". This means that the minimum wage is legally enforceable for teenagers, just as it is for other members of the labor force. It implies that teenagers are entitled to receive the same minimum wage as adults, ensuring fair compensation for their work.
10.
10 percent increase in the minimum wage increases teenage employment between 1 and 3 percent.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
....depresses teenage employment
11.
When minimum wage rises, some teenagers who are still attending school choose to:
Correct Answer
B. Drop out and take jobs
Explanation
When the minimum wage rises, some teenagers who are still attending school may choose to drop out and take jobs. This is because the higher minimum wage makes it more attractive for them to work rather than continue their education. They may see the opportunity to earn a higher income immediately as more beneficial than staying in school and potentially waiting for future job prospects. This decision can have both short-term benefits in terms of immediate income, but also long-term consequences in terms of limited educational attainment and potential career opportunities.
12.
When policymakers set prices by legal decree, they improve the signals that normally guide the allocation of society's resources.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
...obscure the signals...
13.
Price controls are often aimed at helping the poor.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Price controls are often implemented by governments to regulate the prices of essential goods and services. These controls are typically aimed at ensuring affordability and accessibility for low-income individuals, thereby helping the poor. By setting maximum prices or subsidizing certain products, price controls can prevent price gouging and ensure that basic necessities are affordable for those with limited financial means. This can be particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations who may struggle to afford essential items in times of economic hardship. Therefore, the statement that price controls are often aimed at helping the poor is true.
14.
Minimum-wage laws may raise the incomes of some workers, but they also:
Correct Answer
A. Cause other workers to be unemployed
Explanation
Minimum-wage laws may cause other workers to be unemployed because when the minimum wage is increased, businesses may not be able to afford to pay all of their employees at the higher rate. As a result, they may have to lay off some workers or reduce their hours. This can lead to an increase in unemployment among those workers who are not able to find alternative employment. Additionally, businesses may also choose to automate certain tasks or outsource jobs to lower-wage countries in order to offset the increased labor costs, further contributing to unemployment.
15.
Which is not a step for analyzing supply and demand?
Correct Answer
D. Decide whether the supply and demand curves are elastic or inelastic
Explanation
The step "Decide whether the supply and demand curves are elastic or inelastic" is not a step for analyzing supply and demand because elasticity refers to the responsiveness of quantity demanded or supplied to changes in price, while analyzing supply and demand involves examining the factors that cause the curves to shift and how those shifts affect equilibrium price and quantity. Elasticity is a separate concept that is used to measure the degree of responsiveness in supply or demand.
16.
When the tax is levied on sellers, buyers and sellers share the burden of the tax.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
When the tax is levied on sellers, it affects the price of the goods or services they offer. As a result, sellers may increase the price to cover the tax, which ultimately impacts the buyers. The burden of the tax is shared between buyers and sellers because buyers end up paying a higher price for the goods or services, while sellers have to adjust their pricing to account for the tax. Therefore, the statement is true.
17.
When a good is taxed, the quantity of the good sold is ____ in the new equilibrium.
Correct Answer
A. Smaller
Explanation
When a good is taxed, the price of the good increases for consumers. As a result, the quantity demanded decreases because consumers are less willing to purchase the good at a higher price. Additionally, the quantity supplied may also decrease as producers may be less willing to supply the good at a lower after-tax price. Therefore, the new equilibrium quantity of the good sold is smaller than the original quantity.
18.
Buyers and sellers share the burden of the tax all the time.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Buyers and sellers share the burden of the tax because when a tax is imposed on a good or service, both parties are affected. The seller may pass on a portion of the tax to the buyer by increasing the price of the product, which means the buyer pays more. On the other hand, the seller may also absorb some of the tax by reducing their profit margin. Therefore, both parties ultimately bear the burden of the tax in some way.
19.
Taxes levied on sellers and taxes levied on buyers are equivalent.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Taxes levied on sellers and taxes levied on buyers are equivalent because they both result in an increase in the final price of the product. Whether the tax is imposed on the seller or the buyer, the burden of the tax is ultimately passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices. This is known as tax incidence, and it shows that the economic impact of the tax is the same regardless of who is officially responsible for paying it. Therefore, the statement is true.
20.
The only difference between taxes on the sellers and taxes on buyers is:
Correct Answer
C. Who sends the money to the government
Explanation
The correct answer is "who sends the money to the government". This is because the difference between taxes on sellers and taxes on buyers lies in the party responsible for remitting the tax to the government. In the case of taxes on sellers, the sellers are responsible for sending the money to the government. On the other hand, in the case of taxes on buyers, the buyers are the ones who send the money to the government.
21.
The amount that shows up as a deduction on your pay stub is the:
Correct Answer
C. Worker contribution
Explanation
The deduction that appears on your pay stub is referred to as "worker contribution." This deduction represents the amount that the worker contributes towards taxes or other financial obligations. It is a portion of the worker's salary that is withheld by the employer to fulfill these obligations.
22.
The elasticity measures the willingness of buyers or sellers to leave the market when:
Correct Answer
C. Condition becomes unfavorable
Explanation
The elasticity measures the willingness of buyers or sellers to leave the market when the condition becomes unfavorable. When the market conditions deteriorate, buyers or sellers may be more inclined to exit the market as it becomes less profitable or advantageous for them. Elasticity refers to the responsiveness of quantity demanded or supplied to changes in market conditions, and in this case, it indicates the likelihood of market participants leaving when the conditions become unfavorable.