Economics: Principles & Policy
Economics: Principles & Policy
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781337696326
Author: William J. Baumol; Alan S. Blinder; John L. Solow
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 32, Problem 1DQ
To determine

Explain the debt a burden on future generation.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The US has the nation debt of under $1 trillion until 1980, in these most of it resulting from government deficits during recessions or wars. The wartime debt corresponded to a decrease in investment for peacetime uses, but few would regard this as a true burden. The deficits incurred during recessions probably did not constitute a burden either, because during a slack aggregate demand they did not crowd out investment and encouraged investment. Since 1980, the tax rates decrease to such an extend that even when the economy has been operating at its full employment level. However, 30% of the total national debt is owed to foreign individuals, business and government, 45% is owed to US individuals and companies. Thus, the part of the debt held by foreigners is a burden to US, as US individual have to transfer resources to make the interest payment.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The U.S. government's debt is currently about $20 trillion, which is 105% of GDP. How much debt is too much debt for our country?
What is the difference between your running a budget deficit and adding to your own personal debt and the federal government running a budget deficit and adding to national debt?
Debt has a certain self-reinforcing quality to it. There is one category of government spending that automatically increases along with the federal debt. What is it?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
Economics
ISBN:9780078747663
Author:McGraw-Hill
Publisher:Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Pub Co
Text book image
Macroeconomics
Economics
ISBN:9781337617390
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781337617383
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Survey Of Economics
Economics
ISBN:9781337111522
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Cengage,
Text book image
Economics: Private and Public Choice (MindTap Cou...
Economics
ISBN:9781305506725
Author:James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, David A. Macpherson
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Macroeconomics: Private and Public Choice (MindTa...
Economics
ISBN:9781305506756
Author:James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, David A. Macpherson
Publisher:Cengage Learning