Fundamental Problems in Economics Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental problem in economics?

Scarcity

Example of a capital good:

Machinery

What are the 4 factors of production?

Land, labor, capital, entrepreneur

What is an example of a need and a want?

<p>Need: Water/Food; Want: Big screen TV</p> Signup and view all the answers

Example of a consumer good:

<p>Clothing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Example of a service?

<p>Restaurant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Example of a good?

<p>Pair of shoes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does underutilization mean?

<p>Using fewer resources than an economy is capable of using</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a ____________ economic system, investments are determined by private decisions rather than state control.

<p>Free enterprise/market</p> Signup and view all the answers

Everyone knows their role. Easy to make decisions. Life is generally stable and predictable; these are all strengths of a _____________ economy.

<p>Traditional</p> Signup and view all the answers

Low standard of living, discourages new ideas, difficult to adjust in a disaster; these are weaknesses in a ___________ economy.

<p>Traditional</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 basic economic questions?

<p>What will be produced, how will it be produced, who are we producing it for</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quick to adjust to change, can provide more equal incomes; these are all strengths of a _____________ economy.

<p>Command</p> Signup and view all the answers

Often fails to meet the needs or wants of the people, lacks incentive to work; these are all weaknesses of a _____________ economy.

<p>Command</p> Signup and view all the answers

Market may fail, doesn't provide a safety net for those who cannot work; these are all weaknesses of a _____________ economy.

<p>Market</p> Signup and view all the answers

High degree of customer satisfaction, economy can change direction over time, high degree of freedom for buyers and sellers; these are all strengths of a _____________ economy.

<p>Market</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the force that encourages people and organizations to improve their material being?

<p>Profit Motive</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does open opportunity mean?

<p>Everyone can compete in the marketplace</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is specialization?

<p>The ability to learn a task or skill very well</p> Signup and view all the answers

An example of a non-durable good is?

<p>Gas for your car</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do consumers exercise their power or vote in a market economy?

<p>They buy goods and services</p> Signup and view all the answers

Unlimited liability, limited access to funding, limited life; these are disadvantages of a ______________.

<p>Sole proprietor</p> Signup and view all the answers

Easy to start, shared decision making, larger pool of capital; these are advantages of a ______________.

<p>Partnership</p> Signup and view all the answers

Unlimited liability, potential for conflict, limited life; these are disadvantages of a ______________.

<p>Partnership</p> Signup and view all the answers

Difficult and expensive to start, double the taxes, potential loss of control by founders, more legal requirements/restrictions; these are disadvantages of a ______________.

<p>Corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Limited liability for owners, easy to sell, easy to attract capital, long life; these are advantages of a ______________.

<p>Corporation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Easy to start, few regulations, owner keeps profits, easy to sell, owner in complete control; these are advantages of a ______________.

<p>Sole proprietor</p> Signup and view all the answers

An example of a durable good is?

<p>Washer and Dryer</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the consumer as ruler of the free market?

<p>Consumer sovereignty</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a general rise in prices over time?

<p>Inflation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of economy?

<p>Mixed</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor market?

<p>Firms purchase the factors of production from households</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fundamental Concepts in Economics

  • Scarcity is the fundamental problem in economics, driving the need for efficient resource allocation.

Factors of Production

  • Four key factors: land, labor, capital, entrepreneur.

Goods and Services

  • Capital goods are items like machinery used for production.
  • Consumer goods, such as clothing, fulfill direct consumer needs.
  • Services are provided to consumers, exemplified by restaurants.

Needs and Wants

  • Needs are essentials for survival (e.g., water, food), while wants are non-essential desires (e.g., luxury items like a big screen TV).

Economic Systems

  • Free enterprise (market) economies rely on private investment and decisions rather than state control.
  • Traditional economies are characterized by established roles, stable decision-making, but hindered by low living standards and resistance to change.
  • Command economies can swiftly adjust but often fail to meet consumer needs and lack incentives.
  • Market economies foster high customer satisfaction and freedom but can lead to market failures and safety net deficiencies.

Economic Questions and Decision Making

  • The three fundamental economic questions are what to produce, how to produce it, and for whom to produce it.

Market Dynamics

  • Profit motive encourages enhancement of material wealth.
  • Open opportunity allows everyone to compete in the marketplace.
  • Specialization enables individuals to master specific tasks or skills.

Consumer Power

  • Consumers exert influence in a market economy primarily through their purchasing choices.

Business Structures

  • Sole proprietorships: pros include ease of setup, complete control, but face unlimited liability and limited funding.
  • Partnerships: advantages like shared decision-making exist alongside unlimited liability and potential conflicts.
  • Corporations: offer limited liability and longer life but face complexities in startup and regulations.

Good Types

  • Non-durable goods are items like gas that are consumed quickly.
  • Durable goods include long-lasting items, such as a washer and dryer.

Economic Indicators

  • Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time.
  • Mixed economies combine elements of market and command systems and are the most common type.

Market Mechanism

  • In factor markets, firms acquire factors of production from households, driving the economy's functionality.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of economics with these flashcards. Learn about scarcity, factors of production, and the distinction between needs and wants. Perfect for students seeking to grasp basic economic principles.

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