Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which fundamental question does every economy need to address?
Which fundamental question does every economy need to address?
- How can the country maintain its cultural identity?
- Which political party should be in power?
- How can the nation win its next war?
- What goods and services should be produced? (correct)
In a planned economy, who primarily decides what goods and services will be produced?
In a planned economy, who primarily decides what goods and services will be produced?
- Private businesses
- The forces of supply and demand
- Individual consumers
- A central authority (government) (correct)
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a market economy?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a market economy?
- Centralized decision-making
- Government ownership of resources
- Limited consumer choice
- Private ownership of resources (correct)
What is the primary role of government in a mixed economy?
What is the primary role of government in a mixed economy?
What is the 'invisible hand,' as described by Adam Smith, supposed to guide?
What is the 'invisible hand,' as described by Adam Smith, supposed to guide?
Which of the following is a disadvantage commonly associated with market economies?
Which of the following is a disadvantage commonly associated with market economies?
Which characteristic distinguishes a mixed economy from a purely market economy?
Which characteristic distinguishes a mixed economy from a purely market economy?
What is a potential disadvantage of government intervention in a mixed economy?
What is a potential disadvantage of government intervention in a mixed economy?
What primarily facilitates the interconnectedness of national economies in the global economy?
What primarily facilitates the interconnectedness of national economies in the global economy?
Which factor of production receives wages or salaries as its corresponding income?
Which factor of production receives wages or salaries as its corresponding income?
In the circular flow model, which market involves the buying and selling of factors of production?
In the circular flow model, which market involves the buying and selling of factors of production?
In a closed economy, which of the following is NOT a primary participant?
In a closed economy, which of the following is NOT a primary participant?
What type of flow represents the movement of goods and services from businesses to households?
What type of flow represents the movement of goods and services from businesses to households?
When government is included in the circular flow model, what direction does the flow of taxes primarily take?
When government is included in the circular flow model, what direction does the flow of taxes primarily take?
In a supply and demand graph, what does the equilibrium point represent?
In a supply and demand graph, what does the equilibrium point represent?
What happens to the quantity demanded of a product when its price increases, assuming all other factors remain constant?
What happens to the quantity demanded of a product when its price increases, assuming all other factors remain constant?
What is the likely result of a market price being set below the equilibrium price?
What is the likely result of a market price being set below the equilibrium price?
What is the primary function of a trade union?
What is the primary function of a trade union?
How can trade unions contribute to sustainable growth?
How can trade unions contribute to sustainable growth?
Which economic system is characterized by primarily state/government ownership?
Which economic system is characterized by primarily state/government ownership?
According to the circular flow diagram, what flows from businesses to households?
According to the circular flow diagram, what flows from businesses to households?
At what point on a demand and supply schedule is equilibrium achieved?
At what point on a demand and supply schedule is equilibrium achieved?
What is a potential consequence of trade unions demanding significantly higher wages for their members?
What is a potential consequence of trade unions demanding significantly higher wages for their members?
Which of the following is an example of 'capital' as a factor of production?
Which of the following is an example of 'capital' as a factor of production?
How does 'entrepreneurship' contribute to the production process?
How does 'entrepreneurship' contribute to the production process?
What role do multinational corporations (MNCs) play in the global economy?
What role do multinational corporations (MNCs) play in the global economy?
What is the potential impact of poor labor relations, such as frequent strikes, on a business?
What is the potential impact of poor labor relations, such as frequent strikes, on a business?
In a market economy, if consumer demand for a particular good significantly increases while the supply remains constant, what is the likely outcome?
In a market economy, if consumer demand for a particular good significantly increases while the supply remains constant, what is the likely outcome?
Which economic system is most likely to prioritize quick resource allocation for social goals, such as healthcare and infrastructure development?
Which economic system is most likely to prioritize quick resource allocation for social goals, such as healthcare and infrastructure development?
How might trade unions ensure businesses comply with labor laws and health and safety standards?
How might trade unions ensure businesses comply with labor laws and health and safety standards?
If a government implements a new tax on businesses operating in a mixed economy, what is the most likely direct consequence?
If a government implements a new tax on businesses operating in a mixed economy, what is the most likely direct consequence?
Which of the items below is the best example of the 'money flow' within the circular flow of economics?
Which of the items below is the best example of the 'money flow' within the circular flow of economics?
How does technology and communication most significantly affect the global economy?
How does technology and communication most significantly affect the global economy?
Consider an industry where a powerful trade union consistently secures wage increases significantly above productivity gains. What is the MOST likely long-term economic consequence?
Consider an industry where a powerful trade union consistently secures wage increases significantly above productivity gains. What is the MOST likely long-term economic consequence?
In a hypothetical economy transitioning from a centrally planned system to a mixed economy, the government decides to privatize several state-owned enterprises. However, it retains significant control over key sectors like energy and healthcare. Which conflict is MOST likely to arise?
In a hypothetical economy transitioning from a centrally planned system to a mixed economy, the government decides to privatize several state-owned enterprises. However, it retains significant control over key sectors like energy and healthcare. Which conflict is MOST likely to arise?
Assume a closed economy with only households and businesses. Suddenly, a large portion of the workforce emigrates seeking higher wages abroad. What IMMEDIATE impact would this demographic shift have on the circular flow?
Assume a closed economy with only households and businesses. Suddenly, a large portion of the workforce emigrates seeking higher wages abroad. What IMMEDIATE impact would this demographic shift have on the circular flow?
In the table below, what is the most correct statement about equilibrium quantity?
Price (R) Quantity Demanded (units) Quantity Supplied (units)
5 100 20
10 80 40
15 60 60
20 40 80
25 20 100
In the table below, what is the most correct statement about equilibrium quantity?
Price (R) Quantity Demanded (units) Quantity Supplied (units) 5 100 20 10 80 40 15 60 60 20 40 80 25 20 100
Consider a scenario where a new technology dramatically increases productivity across all sectors, but its implementation requires significant capital investment and specialized training. Analyze the MOST likely long-term impacts on factor markets and income distribution.
Consider a scenario where a new technology dramatically increases productivity across all sectors, but its implementation requires significant capital investment and specialized training. Analyze the MOST likely long-term impacts on factor markets and income distribution.
Which economic system is characterized by decentralized decision-making based on supply and demand?
Which economic system is characterized by decentralized decision-making based on supply and demand?
In a planned economy, what is the primary mechanism for determining the allocation of resources?
In a planned economy, what is the primary mechanism for determining the allocation of resources?
Which of the following is a key advantage of a market economy?
Which of the following is a key advantage of a market economy?
What is a potential drawback of a planned economy?
What is a potential drawback of a planned economy?
Which of the following best describes a mixed economy?
Which of the following best describes a mixed economy?
In the context of the circular flow model, what do households provide to businesses?
In the context of the circular flow model, what do households provide to businesses?
Which of the following represents a 'money flow' from businesses to households in the circular flow model?
Which of the following represents a 'money flow' from businesses to households in the circular flow model?
What role do multinational corporations (MNCs) primarily play in the global economy?
What role do multinational corporations (MNCs) primarily play in the global economy?
Which of the following is NOT considered a factor of production?
Which of the following is NOT considered a factor of production?
What is the income earned by land as a factor of production?
What is the income earned by land as a factor of production?
What primarily determines the equilibrium point in a supply and demand graph?
What primarily determines the equilibrium point in a supply and demand graph?
What typically happens to the quantity supplied of a good as its price increases?
What typically happens to the quantity supplied of a good as its price increases?
What is the main goal of a trade union?
What is the main goal of a trade union?
How can trade unions contribute to sustainable economic growth?
How can trade unions contribute to sustainable economic growth?
In a market economy, who primarily owns the factors of production?
In a market economy, who primarily owns the factors of production?
What is the potential impact of increased international trade on a mixed economy?
What is the potential impact of increased international trade on a mixed economy?
What is the likely outcome if the market price is set above the equilibrium price?
What is the likely outcome if the market price is set above the equilibrium price?
If a country increases investment in education and training programs, which factor of production is it primarily trying to improve?
If a country increases investment in education and training programs, which factor of production is it primarily trying to improve?
Which type of market involves the buying and selling of labor?
Which type of market involves the buying and selling of labor?
What is the primary source of revenue for governments to fund public services in a mixed economy?
What is the primary source of revenue for governments to fund public services in a mixed economy?
In the circular flow model, what is exchanged in the product market?
In the circular flow model, what is exchanged in the product market?
What is the likely impact of effective trade union representation on workplace safety?
What is the likely impact of effective trade union representation on workplace safety?
Consider a situation where a new government regulation increases the cost of production for businesses. What is the MOST likely short-term impact on the supply curve?
Consider a situation where a new government regulation increases the cost of production for businesses. What is the MOST likely short-term impact on the supply curve?
Assume a closed economy with only households and businesses. If consumer confidence declines sharply, leading to reduced spending, what is the MOST likely immediate impact on businesses?
Assume a closed economy with only households and businesses. If consumer confidence declines sharply, leading to reduced spending, what is the MOST likely immediate impact on businesses?
What is the role of 'entrepreneurship' in the production process?
What is the role of 'entrepreneurship' in the production process?
Which factor would MOST directly contribute to decreased efficiency and innovation in a planned economy?
Which factor would MOST directly contribute to decreased efficiency and innovation in a planned economy?
In a hypothetical economy that relies heavily on agricultural exports, a prolonged drought significantly reduces crop yields. Analyze the likely impact on the circular flow of income.
In a hypothetical economy that relies heavily on agricultural exports, a prolonged drought significantly reduces crop yields. Analyze the likely impact on the circular flow of income.
Consider a scenario where a country's government significantly increases its spending on renewable energy infrastructure while simultaneously raising taxes on carbon-intensive industries. What is the MOST likely long-term economic consequence?
Consider a scenario where a country's government significantly increases its spending on renewable energy infrastructure while simultaneously raising taxes on carbon-intensive industries. What is the MOST likely long-term economic consequence?
A country decides to rapidly transition from a mixed economy with strong labor protections to a purely market-based system with minimal regulation. Analyze the MOST likely consequences for income distribution and social welfare.
A country decides to rapidly transition from a mixed economy with strong labor protections to a purely market-based system with minimal regulation. Analyze the MOST likely consequences for income distribution and social welfare.
In a complex global supply chain, a major natural disaster disrupts the production of a critical component used in various industries worldwide. Analyze the MOST likely short-term impact on global equilibrium price and quantity for products relying on that component.
In a complex global supply chain, a major natural disaster disrupts the production of a critical component used in various industries worldwide. Analyze the MOST likely short-term impact on global equilibrium price and quantity for products relying on that component.
A nation heavily reliant on exporting manufactured goods experiences a sudden, significant appreciation in its currency's exchange rate. Evaluate the MOST likely short-term consequences for its trade balance, domestic production, and employment levels.
A nation heavily reliant on exporting manufactured goods experiences a sudden, significant appreciation in its currency's exchange rate. Evaluate the MOST likely short-term consequences for its trade balance, domestic production, and employment levels.
If a government implements a policy that leads to a significant reduction in frictional unemployment but simultaneously causes a rise in structural unemployment, what is the MOST likely overall economic outcome?
If a government implements a policy that leads to a significant reduction in frictional unemployment but simultaneously causes a rise in structural unemployment, what is the MOST likely overall economic outcome?
Suppose a country discovers vast reserves of a rare earth mineral essential for producing advanced electronic components. However, extracting and processing the mineral requires environmentally destructive practices and displaces several indigenous communities. Analyze the long-term economic and social implications of exploiting these resources.
Suppose a country discovers vast reserves of a rare earth mineral essential for producing advanced electronic components. However, extracting and processing the mineral requires environmentally destructive practices and displaces several indigenous communities. Analyze the long-term economic and social implications of exploiting these resources.
Imagine an economy where technological advancements lead to widespread automation across multiple industries. While productivity increases significantly, a large portion of the workforce becomes technologically unemployed, lacking the skills demanded in the new economy. What are the MOST significant challenges and policy considerations for addressing this situation?
Imagine an economy where technological advancements lead to widespread automation across multiple industries. While productivity increases significantly, a large portion of the workforce becomes technologically unemployed, lacking the skills demanded in the new economy. What are the MOST significant challenges and policy considerations for addressing this situation?
In a small, isolated island economy, the introduction of a universally adopted cryptocurrency as the sole medium of exchange coincides with a severe decline in trust in the traditional banking system. Simultaneously, the internet infrastructure remains unreliable, hindering widespread adoption of digital payment methods. Analyze the MOST likely consequences for the circular flow of income and overall economic stability.
In a small, isolated island economy, the introduction of a universally adopted cryptocurrency as the sole medium of exchange coincides with a severe decline in trust in the traditional banking system. Simultaneously, the internet infrastructure remains unreliable, hindering widespread adoption of digital payment methods. Analyze the MOST likely consequences for the circular flow of income and overall economic stability.
Consider a product market initially in equilibrium. If technological advancements reduce production costs while, simultaneously, consumer preferences shift away from that product, what is the INDETERMINATE effect?
Consider a product market initially in equilibrium. If technological advancements reduce production costs while, simultaneously, consumer preferences shift away from that product, what is the INDETERMINATE effect?
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a planned economy?
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a planned economy?
What is a key feature of a mixed economy?
What is a key feature of a mixed economy?
Which of these is the BEST description of the global economy?
Which of these is the BEST description of the global economy?
Where are factors of production bought and sold?
Where are factors of production bought and sold?
In a closed economy, who owns production factors and receives income?
In a closed economy, who owns production factors and receives income?
Which flow includes wages, rent, interest, and profit?
Which flow includes wages, rent, interest, and profit?
In a supply and demand graph, what does 'equilibrium' signify?
In a supply and demand graph, what does 'equilibrium' signify?
What is the primary goal of a trade union?
What is the primary goal of a trade union?
What is a potential disadvantage of a planned economy compared to a market economy?
What is a potential disadvantage of a planned economy compared to a market economy?
In the circular flow model, what is the role of businesses concerning factors of production?
In the circular flow model, what is the role of businesses concerning factors of production?
What happens to the equilibrium price when demand increases and supply remains constant?
What happens to the equilibrium price when demand increases and supply remains constant?
How do trade unions potentially contribute to sustainable economic growth?
How do trade unions potentially contribute to sustainable economic growth?
What is the potential effect of government over-regulation in a mixed economy?
What is the potential effect of government over-regulation in a mixed economy?
Which of the following would MOST significantly contribute to the interconnectedness of national economies in the global economy?
Which of the following would MOST significantly contribute to the interconnectedness of national economies in the global economy?
What is the likely result of government intervention in a mixed economy?
What is the likely result of government intervention in a mixed economy?
How might increased international trade affect a mixed economy?
How might increased international trade affect a mixed economy?
What is a potential consequence of trade unions successfully negotiating wage increases significantly above productivity gains?
What is a potential consequence of trade unions successfully negotiating wage increases significantly above productivity gains?
How does consumer spending influence the circular flow of economics?
How does consumer spending influence the circular flow of economics?
Which factor of production is MOST directly improved by increased investment in education and training programs, and what is its corresponding income?
Which factor of production is MOST directly improved by increased investment in education and training programs, and what is its corresponding income?
Which statement BEST describes the impact of good labor relations on a business?
Which statement BEST describes the impact of good labor relations on a business?
How does the profit motive most directly influence businesses in a market economy?
How does the profit motive most directly influence businesses in a market economy?
Assuming a product market is in equilibrium, what is the MOST likely short-term impact of a new government regulation that increases production costs for businesses?
Assuming a product market is in equilibrium, what is the MOST likely short-term impact of a new government regulation that increases production costs for businesses?
In a planned economy, which factor is MOST likely to decrease efficiency and innovation?
In a planned economy, which factor is MOST likely to decrease efficiency and innovation?
What is the MOST likely short-term impact if consumer confidence declines sharply in a closed economy, leading to reduced spending?
What is the MOST likely short-term impact if consumer confidence declines sharply in a closed economy, leading to reduced spending?
What is the MOST likely long-term consequence if a government increases spending on renewable energy infrastructure while simultaneously raising taxes on carbon-intensive industries?
What is the MOST likely long-term consequence if a government increases spending on renewable energy infrastructure while simultaneously raising taxes on carbon-intensive industries?
What is the MOST likely impact on an economy transitioning to a purely market-based system with minimal regulation if the original economy had strong labor protections?
What is the MOST likely impact on an economy transitioning to a purely market-based system with minimal regulation if the original economy had strong labor protections?
Analyze the MOST likely short-term impact on global equilibrium price and quantity for products relying on that component, if a disaster disrupts global production?
Analyze the MOST likely short-term impact on global equilibrium price and quantity for products relying on that component, if a disaster disrupts global production?
If a nation that exports goods experiences a currency appreciation, what is the MOST likely short-term effect on its trade balance?
If a nation that exports goods experiences a currency appreciation, what is the MOST likely short-term effect on its trade balance?
Which statement BEST describes the likely overall economic outcome if a government policy reduces frictional unemployment but increases structural unemployment?
Which statement BEST describes the likely overall economic outcome if a government policy reduces frictional unemployment but increases structural unemployment?
Analyze the long-term economic and social implications of exploiting vast mineral reserves requiring environmentally destructive practices.
Analyze the long-term economic and social implications of exploiting vast mineral reserves requiring environmentally destructive practices.
What are the MOST significant challenges and policy considerations for addressing widespread technological unemployment caused by automation?
What are the MOST significant challenges and policy considerations for addressing widespread technological unemployment caused by automation?
What are the MOST likely consequences for the circular flow of income and overall economic stability, If a small economy adopts cryptocurrency, and trust in banks declines, but internet access is unreliable?
What are the MOST likely consequences for the circular flow of income and overall economic stability, If a small economy adopts cryptocurrency, and trust in banks declines, but internet access is unreliable?
Consider an economy with two sectors: households and businesses. If a significant portion of the workforce emigrates, what IMMEDIATE impact would this have on the circular flow?
Consider an economy with two sectors: households and businesses. If a significant portion of the workforce emigrates, what IMMEDIATE impact would this have on the circular flow?
Flashcards
Economic System
Economic System
An economic system organizes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a nation.
Planned Economy
Planned Economy
A system where a central authority (government) determines economic production and distribution.
Government Ownership (Planned Economy)
Government Ownership (Planned Economy)
State owns and controls most resources, deciding what to produce, how to produce it, and at what price.
Centralized Decision-Making
Centralized Decision-Making
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Price and Wage Control
Price and Wage Control
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Limited Consumer Choice
Limited Consumer Choice
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Market Economy
Market Economy
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Private Ownership
Private Ownership
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Profit Motive
Profit Motive
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Limited Government Intervention
Limited Government Intervention
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Free Competition
Free Competition
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Mixed Economy
Mixed Economy
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Combination of Public & Private Sectors
Combination of Public & Private Sectors
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Government Intervention (Mixed Economy)
Government Intervention (Mixed Economy)
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Global Economy
Global Economy
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Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
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Land (Factors of Production)
Land (Factors of Production)
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Labor
Labor
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Capital
Capital
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Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
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Factor Market
Factor Market
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Product (Consumer) Market
Product (Consumer) Market
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Financial Market
Financial Market
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Role of Households
Role of Households
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Role of Businesses (Firms)
Role of Businesses (Firms)
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Role of Government
Role of Government
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Real Flow
Real Flow
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Money Flow
Money Flow
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Surplus
Surplus
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Shortage
Shortage
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Trade Union
Trade Union
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Collective Bargaining
Collective Bargaining
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Impact of Unions on Wages
Impact of Unions on Wages
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Workplace Relations (Unions)
Workplace Relations (Unions)
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Regulatory Compliance (Unions)
Regulatory Compliance (Unions)
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Fair Wages & Sustainable Growth
Fair Wages & Sustainable Growth
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Unions & Skill Development
Unions & Skill Development
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Unions & Economic Stability
Unions & Economic Stability
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Tripartite Cooperation
Tripartite Cooperation
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Advantage of a Planned Economy
Advantage of a Planned Economy
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Tax Burdens in Mixed Economies
Tax Burdens in Mixed Economies
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Risk of Bureaucracy in Mixed Economy
Risk of Bureaucracy in Mixed Economy
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International Trade
International Trade
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Technology & Communication in Global Economy
Technology & Communication in Global Economy
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Rent
Rent
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Wages/Salaries
Wages/Salaries
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Interest
Interest
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Profit
Profit
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Real Flow (Factors)
Real Flow (Factors)
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Real Flow (Goods/Services)
Real Flow (Goods/Services)
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Money Flow (Incomes)
Money Flow (Incomes)
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Money Flow (Expenditures)
Money Flow (Expenditures)
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Flow of Taxes
Flow of Taxes
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Flow of Government Spending
Flow of Government Spending
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Relationship Between Price and Quantity Demanded
Relationship Between Price and Quantity Demanded
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Relationship Between Price and Quantity Supplied
Relationship Between Price and Quantity Supplied
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Market Equilibrium
Market Equilibrium
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Command Economy
Command Economy
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Disadvantages of Planned Economy
Disadvantages of Planned Economy
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Capitalist Economy
Capitalist Economy
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Disadvantages of a Market Economy
Disadvantages of a Market Economy
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Efficiency in Market Economies
Efficiency in Market Economies
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Hybrid Economy
Hybrid Economy
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Disadvantages of Mixed Economies
Disadvantages of Mixed Economies
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Government Intervention (Mixed)
Government Intervention (Mixed)
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International Exchange
International Exchange
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Resource Market
Resource Market
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Consumer Market
Consumer Market
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Factors Real Flow
Factors Real Flow
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Flow of Factor Payments
Flow of Factor Payments
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Excess supply
Excess supply
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Integrated Growth
Integrated Growth
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Study Notes
- An economic system organizes a nation's production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
- Every economy answers these four questions:
- What goods and services should be produced?
- How should these goods and services be produced?
- How many goods/services should be produced?
- For whom should production take place?
- The three main economic systems are:
- Planned economy
- Market economy
- Mixed economy
- Most countries use a mixed economic system.
- The global economy highlights international trade and interdependence across national borders.
Planned Economy
- A planned economy is also called a command or centrally planned economy.
- These economies are historically linked to socialist or communist nations.
- A central authority (government) determines all major aspects of economic production and distribution.
- The state owns and controls most resources (land, factories, etc.).
- A planning agency decides what and how much to produce, how to produce it, and at what price.
- The government sets prices for goods and wages for workers.
- There are fewer varieties of products available due to state control.
- It can quickly direct resources to meet social goals (e.g., healthcare, infrastructure)
- It has the potential to reduce income inequality through controlled wages and state programs.
- Lack of competition can reduce innovation and efficiency in a planned economy.
- It often results in shortages or surpluses due to flawed central planning.
- It can create bureaucratic inefficiencies and slow decision-making.
Market Economy
- A market economy is also called a capitalist or free-market economy.
- It is influenced by Adam Smith’s "invisible hand," where supply and demand guide production and prices.
- Decisions about production and distribution are decentralized, made by individual buyers and sellers interacting in markets.
- Individuals and businesses own resources (land, factories).
- Producers want to maximize profits; consumers seek to maximize utility (satisfaction).
- The government plays a smaller role, mainly setting basic rules.
- Multiple sellers compete, driving innovation and influencing prices.
- Competition forces businesses to be efficient, produce quality products, and innovate.
- Consumer demand encourages a wide variety of products and services.
- Markets can generate wealth disparities, leading to income inequality.
- Public goods may be under-provided in market economies, which is a market failure.
- Negative externalities (pollution) can occur without regulation.
- Government oversight may be required to ensure fair competition and protect the environment.
Mixed Economy
- Most modern economies are mixed economies, incorporating elements of both market and planned systems.
- Government and the private sector share in ownership and decision-making.
- Private businesses operate freely in many areas.
- The government provides public goods (health, education) and may regulate or own certain industries.
- The state corrects market failures, enforces environmental protections, or provides welfare.
- The system tries to harness the competitiveness of free markets and ensure basic social protections.
- The government can intervene to stabilize the economy through stimulus programs or welfare.
- Basic needs can be provided or subsidized by the government.
- Government spending often requires higher taxes.
- Over-regulation by the government can create inefficiency.
- Under-regulation can worsen inequality and externalities.
Global Economy
- The global economy refers to the interconnectedness of national economies across the world.
- Goods, services, capital, and labor can move across borders more easily due to trade agreements, technology, and improved transport.
- Countries export and import to take advantage of their comparative advantages via international trade.
- Large companies operate in multiple countries, and these are known as multinational corporations (MNCs).
- The internet and global transport networks enhance economic interdependence through technology and communication.
- Even highly planned economies often engage in some international trade.
- Market economies may benefit from large export opportunities.
- Mixed economies juggle local priorities (protecting some industries) with competing in global markets.
Factors of Production
- Every production process needs four factors of production:
- Land (natural resources)
- Labor (human effort)
- Capital (man-made resources)
- Entrepreneurship (organizing and risk-taking)
- Each factor receives a corresponding income:
- Land → Rent
- Labor → Wages or Salaries
- Capital → Interest
- Entrepreneurship → Profit
Types of Markets
- Factor market: factors of production are bought and sold.
- Example: Job market (labor), financial markets (capital)
- Product (consumer) market: finished goods/services are bought and sold.
- Example: Retail stores, e-commerce sites
- Financial Market: financial instruments are traded.
- In basic economics, the focus is on factor and product markets for the circular flow.
Participants in a Closed Economy
- In a closed economy (no foreign trade), the main participants are:
- Households own the factors of production and receive income (wages, rent, interest, profit).
- Households spend their income on goods and services in the product market.
- Businesses demand factors of production from households.
- Businesses produce goods/services and sell them in product markets to households.
- Businesses pay factor incomes to households.
- Government collects taxes from households and businesses.
- Government uses tax revenues for public services, infrastructure, and welfare.
- Government can inject money (spending) or withdraw money (taxes) from the circular flow.
Flow of Goods, Services, Money, and Factors of Production
- There are two main types of flows:
- Real flow: flow of factors of production from households to businesses, and flow of goods and services from businesses to households.
- Money flow: flow of incomes from businesses to households (payment for factors), and flow of expenditures from households to businesses (buying goods/services).
- When government is included:
- Taxes flow from households/businesses to the government.
- Government spending flows to households/businesses.
Demand
- Demand measures the consumer's desire and ability to purchase goods and services
- Law of Demand: As the price of a good/service increases, the quantity demanded decreases.
- Factors affecting Demand:
- Consumer Income
- Consumer Tastes/Preferences
- Prices of related goods
- Expectations of future prices
- Number of buyers
Supply
- Supply measures the willingness and ability of producers to offer goods and services
- Law of Supply: As the price of a good/service increases, the quantity supplied increases.
- Factors affecting Supply:
- Technology
- Input Costs
- Prices of related goods
- Expectations of future prices
- Number of sellers
Market Equilibrium and Price
- Equilibrium is the market state where the forces of supply and demand balance each other, resulting in stable prices
- Equilibrium Point is where the demand and supply curves intersect.
- Equilibrium Price is the price at which the quantity demanded equals the quantity supplied.
- Equilibrium Quantity is the quantity bought and sold at the equilibrium price.
- Surplus occurs if the market price is above equilibrium, so supply > demand.
- Shortage occurs if the market price is below equilibrium, so demand > supply.
Trade Unions
- A trade union is an organization of workers formed to protect and advance their collective interests.
- Primary functions:
- Collective bargaining for wages, benefits, and working conditions
- Representation of workers in disputes and negotiations
- Legal and welfare support for members
- Can raise labor costs if unions demand higher wages.
- May improve communication between management and workers.
- Conflict (strikes) may occur if negotiations fail.
- Unions often ensure that businesses follow labor laws, health and safety standards.
- Good labor relations can enhance morale and efficiency.
- Union may push for on-the-job training, better safety standards, raising workforce quality.
- By promoting fair labor practices, trade unions can reduce social unrest and encourage long-term economic development.
- Tripartite Cooperation: When unions, government, and businesses cooperate, it can promote more balanced, inclusive growth.
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