Southern New Hampshire University | ECO-202 | MODULE 6 DISCUSSION
College Name: Southern New Hampshire University
Subject: Macroeconomics
Course Code: ECO-202
Title: MODULE 6 DISCUSSION
Question 40807: Fiscal policies are used by the government to stabilize the economy. During the 2020 emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government approved stimulus spending. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the federal government spent 91% more than it collected in revenue, creating a $3.1 trillion deficit. The federal debt grew from $26.9 trillion in 2020 to $34.59 trillion in March of 2024.
For this discussion, first play the simulation The Debt Fixer (from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget), in which you make fiscal policy decisions in an attempt to reduce the U.S. debt. You can play the simulation as many times as you like.
In your initial post, include the image (screenshot) of your simulation report in your response
• Share your experience in the simulation. What strategies did you pursue? Were you successful in reducing the debt?
• In your opinion, is a high national debt a problem for future economic growth? What is the ideal debt-to-GDP ratio? Research academic sources or refer to the information available through the simulation to support your opinion.
• Government spending increases national debt and can cause a crowding-out effect. Explain what the crowding-out effect is and why it's considered a negative effect of increased government spending. Use information from the textbook to support your analysis.
In your responses, comment on at least two posts from your peers by comparing and contrasting your experiences and opinions. Share current news articles or references from the textbook that support your decisions in the simulation and your claims related to the national debt.
Southern New Hampshire University | ECO-202 | MODULE 5 DISCUSSION
College Name: Southern New Hampshire University
Subject: Macroeconomics
Course Code: ECO-202
Title: MODULE 5 DISCUSSION
Question 40806: Recently, there have been comparisons between today’s economy and the 2008–2009 Great Recession (GR). Some argue that the COVID-19 pandemic recession is materially different from the GR, while others argue there are many parallels. As you learned in your reading, policymakers in both eras were confronted with a sudden decrease in aggregate demand.
In your initial post, draw or find an example of the aggregate demand and aggregate supply (AD/AS) model that illustrates the general trends of the U.S. economy during both crises. The example may be from your research or the textbook (see Chapter 34).
Note: Use the Insert Image button in the discussion menu to attach your image. Review the following resources for help taking a screenshot:
• ECO-201: How to Use Snipping Tool Beginners Guide (CC)
• Is There a Snipping Tool for Mac? Four Best Snipping Tools
In addition to your image, respond to the following:
• Using the four steps for analyzing macroeconomic fluctuations, explain how the AD/AS equilibrium changed over time. Support your claims by referring to your AD/AS model's AD shift.
• Select an economic factor (GDP, unemployment, or housing price level) and compare its values during both crises.
• What policies and strategies did the U.S. government use to deal with the GR and then to deal with COVID-19?
• What do you see as the source of future U.S. macroeconomic growth?
In your response posts, comment on at least two posts from peers who chose different factors than you did. Explain how the economic factors are related. Share a news article that presents a different perspective on the economic outcomes of the crises from your peers' perspectives.
Southern New Hampshire University | ECO-202 | MODULE 4 DISCUSSION
College Name: Southern New Hampshire University
Subject: Macroeconomics
Course Code: ECO-202
Title: MODULE 4 DISCUSSION
Question 40805: For this discussion, research two current or historical examples from the United States where the Federal Reserve changed the federal funds rates. The first example should be one in which the Fed raised the rates, and the second example should be one where the rates were lowered. In your initial post, analyze your examples by addressing the following:
• Explain in one to two sentences how the Federal Reserve sets monetary policy in the United States.
• Based on your first example, what happened to the inflation rate when the Fed raised the federal funds rate? Illustrate your answer with specific details from the example.
• Based on your second example, what happened to the unemployment rate when the Fed lowered the federal funds rate? Illustrate your answer with specific details from the example.
• Be sure to cite your research appropriately.
In your responses, comment on at least two posts from your peers:
• Compare and contrast your peers’ examples of monetary policies with yours. In your opinion, in which examples did the Fed do a better job of setting the right target for the federal funds rate? Why?
• Using current levels of the federal funds rate, inflation, and unemployment, make recommendations on monetary policy actions that would help maintain economic stability.
Southern New Hampshire University | ECO-202 | MODULE 1 DISCUSSION
College Name: Southern New Hampshire University
Subject: Macroeconomics
Course Code: ECO-202
Title: MODULE 1 DISCUSSION
Question 40803: An economist plays two roles: scientist and policy advisor. As scientists, economists explain the world, and as policy advisors they help improve the world. Because these two roles have different goals, they require different types of language. Economists as scientists make positive claims, whereas economists as policy advisors make normative claims.
In your initial post, begin by briefly introducing yourself, including your program of study and career interests. Then address the following:
• Explain the difference between positive and normative analysis.
• Provide an example of a normative statement or an example of a positive statement from a recent news story.
For your response posts, select two or more initial posts that contain different current news examples (normative versus positive), and contrast your example with those of your peers. What makes the examples different? How do those differences relate to the different roles that an economist plays as a scientist and policy advisor?
Southern New Hampshire University | ECO 201 | MODULE 8 DISCUSSION
College Name: Southern New Hampshire University
Subject: Economics
Course Code: ECO 201
Title: MODULE 8 DISCUSSION
Question 40795: In the article “Lack of Diversity in Economics Holds Back Its Relevance and Value to Society” provided in the module resources, the authors wrote the following:
“…students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and ethnic minority groups are more likely to drop out of university, and less likely to be awarded an upper second-class degree or higher in economics, even when they have a similar educational background to their more well-off, White counterparts. This has direct impact on the diversity of professional and academic economists, and limits the range of perspectives and experiences that economists can bring to their research and the policy-making process.”
Considering the historical biases and structural inequalities within economics, reflect on the role of economists in shaping policy and decision-making processes.
In your initial post, address the following:
• Analyze the factors that contribute to the lack of diversity among prominent economists.
• How does this impact the field's ability to address the needs and perspectives of diverse populations?
• Support your claims with evidence from the module resources and your own research.
In your responses, comment on at least two of your peers' posts and share suggestions for how lack of diversity in economics could be addressed. Draw connections to what you have learned about political economy and behavioral economics in your responses.
