Cyclically Balanced Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy is a collection of fiscal measures which are used by governments to influence economic activity. Governments can use fiscal policy to manage the level of spending, taxation, borrowing and the supply of money to achieve their economic objectives. The aim of fiscal policy is to achieve a range of economic objectives that enhance economic growth and stability. One of these objectives is known as “cyclically balanced fiscal policy” which seeks to reduce the amplitude of the business cycle.
Cyclically balanced fiscal policy is the use of fiscal policy measures to manage the business cycle by making the length and intensity of recessions and booms shallower and shorter. The aim of this policy is prevent extreme booms and busts which can lead to economic disasters and reduce economic volatility. The aim is to secure economic growth in stable economic conditions.
The main tool used by governments to achieve cyclically balanced fiscal policy is fiscal policy. Fiscal policy is the use of government revenue and expenditure measures to influence aggregate demand and to achieve economic objectives. Fiscal policy consists of taxation, government spending, and government borrowing. Taxation is the most common fiscal policy measure used by the government, as it controls the money supply and the amount of money people have to spend. Government spending and borrowing allow the government to inject money into the economy and increase aggregate demand.
Taxation is usually used to reduce aggregate demand when the economy is overheating and inflation is too high, or during a recession when people are not spending enough and aggregate demand is too low. Government spending and borrowing are used to increase aggregate demand when economic growth is too low. By using fiscal policy measures, governments can manage the levels of aggregate demand so that the economy remains stable.
One way governments use fiscal policy to achieve cyclically balanced fiscal policy results is to take countercyclical action. Countercyclical fiscal policy involves adjusting fiscal policy measures when economic activity begins to accelerate to help prevent a recession. This includes increasing taxes, reducing government spending, and increasing interest rates to cool down the economy. In addition, governments can use fiscal policy to prevent excessive economic booms by taking procyclical fiscal measures, such as reducing taxes and government spending, or raising interest rates, to help slow down the economy before it overheats.
Finally, fiscal policy can also be used to manage the level of public debt. When debt accumulates too quickly or excessively, governments can use fiscal policy to reduce the debt by raising taxes or cutting government spending. This can help to reduce the debt burden and restore confidence in the economy.
In conclusion, cyclically balanced fiscal policy is an important part of macroeconomic management. By using fiscal policy measures like taxes, government spending, and borrowing, governments can better manage the business cycle and reduce economic volatility. Fiscal policy can also be used to prevent recessionary and inflationary pressures and reduce public debt. As such, fiscal policy is an essential tool for achieving macroeconomic objectives like economic growth, stability, and full employment.