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L.6 · BEGINNER · 2 MIN

Fiscal Policy: Government Spending, Taxes, and Deficits

Fiscal policy is the government's use of spending and taxation to influence the economy. While the Fed controls monetary policy, Congress controls fiscal policy.

Quiz · 5 questions ↓
§ 01
ToolExpansionary (Stimulus)Contractionary (Austerity)
SpendingIncrease (infrastructure, defense, transfers)Decrease (budget cuts)
TaxesCut taxes (more disposable income)Raise taxes (reduce deficits)
Effect on GDPBoosts growth short-termSlows growth short-term
Effect on deficitsIncreases deficitReduces deficit
§ 02

Fiscal and monetary policy can work together or against each other. Stimulus spending with rate hikes creates a tug-of-war. Stimulus with rate cuts is rocket fuel for the economy.

§ 03
Check FRED data for the **federal deficit** and **government spending** trends. How is fiscal policy positioned right now?
§ 04

Fiscal policy moves slowly (legislation takes months) but hits hard. Major tax reforms, infrastructure bills, and stimulus packages can reshape entire sectors overnight.

§ 05
The government cuts taxes AND raises spending simultaneously (expansionary fiscal policy) while the economy is already at full employment. What is the most likely consequence?
Five questions · AI feedback

Sit with the ideas.

Congress passes a $500 billion infrastructure bill during a period of low unemployment and 3% GDP growth. The Fed responds by raising rates. What is the most likely net effect on markets?

Why:
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