Unit 3-4:Aggregate Demand and Supply and Fiscal Policy

1

Debates Over Aggregate SupplyClassical Theory1. A change in AD will not change output even in the short run

because prices of resources (wages) are very flexible. 2. AS is vertical so AD can’t increase without causing inflation.

Price level

Real domestic output, GDP

AS

Qf

AD

2

Debates Over Aggregate SupplyClassical Theory1. A change in AD will not change output even in the short run

because prices of resources (wages) are very flexible. 2. AS is vertical so AD can’t increase without causing inflation.

Price level

Real domestic output, GDP

AS

Qf

AD

3

Recessions caused by a fall in AD are temporary.

Price level will fall and economy will fix itself.

No Government Involvement Required

AD1

4

John Maynard Keynes

“The long run is a misleading guide to current affairs. In the long run we are all dead.

Economists set themselves too easy, too useless a task if in tempestuous seasons they can only tell us that when the storm is past the ocean is

flat again”

Translation:In times of need, economists should do more than say that

the economy will fix itself. They should suggest policies that can help the economy,

like deficit spending. Do you agree or disagree?

Debates Over Aggregate SupplyKeynesian Theory1. A decrease in AD will lead to a persistent recession because

prices of resources (wages) are NOT flexible. 2. Increase in AD during a recession doesn’t cause inflation

Price level

Real domestic output, GDP

AS

Qf

AD

5

Debates Over Aggregate SupplyKeynesian Theory1. A decrease in AD will lead to a persistent recession because

prices of resources (wages) are NOT flexible. 2. Increase in AD during a recession puts no pressure on prices

Price level

Real domestic output, GDP

AS

Qf

AD

6

Q1

“Sticky Wages” prevents wages from falling.

The government should deficit spend to close the

gap

AD1

Debates Over Aggregate SupplyKeynesian Theory1. A decrease in AD will lead to a persistent recession because

prices of resources (wages) are NOT flexible. 2. Increase in AD during a recession puts no pressure on prices

Price level

Real domestic output, GDP

AS

Qf

AD2

7

AD1

Q1

When there is high unemployment, an

increase in AD doesn’t lead to higher prices

until you get close to full employment

AD3