Easy2 marksStructured
How the economy worksUnemploymentFiscal PolicyMonetary Policy

AQA GCSE · Question 11 · How the economy works

State two ways a government can reduce cyclical unemployment.

How to approach this question

Recall that cyclical unemployment is caused by a lack of aggregate demand in the economy. Identify two government policies (either fiscal or monetary) that are designed to increase aggregate demand.

Full Answer

1. Lower interest rates (expansionary monetary policy) to encourage borrowing, spending and investment, which boosts aggregate demand. 2. Lower taxes (expansionary fiscal policy) to increase disposable income and encourage consumer spending, which boosts aggregate demand.
Cyclical unemployment is caused by a downturn in the business cycle, leading to insufficient aggregate demand. To combat this, the government can use expansionary policies. - **Expansionary Fiscal Policy:** This involves increasing government spending (e.g., on infrastructure projects) or cutting taxes (e.g., income tax or corporation tax). Both actions increase aggregate demand, encouraging firms to produce more and hire more workers. - **Expansionary Monetary Policy:** This is usually carried out by the central bank. It involves cutting interest rates to make borrowing cheaper for consumers and businesses, stimulating consumption and investment. This also boosts aggregate demand.

Common mistakes

Suggesting supply-side policies (like education and training), which are used to tackle structural unemployment, not cyclical unemployment.

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